Ukraine’s parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, has taken initial steps toward mobilizing women for military service as the country faces significant troop shortages in its ongoing war with Russia.
Ukrainian MP Dmytro Razumkov revealed that a recently adopted bill, 12076, includes a provision allowing women who meet age and health requirements to register as conscripts and undergo basic training, according to Strana News. Razumkov has urged the removal of this provision in the bill’s second reading.
If implemented, this change could address Ukraine’s manpower issues by conscripting women into various military roles. Under the proposed amendments to the law “On Military Obligation and Military Service,” women who voluntarily join the Ukrainian Armed Forces would be registered as reservists, a significant departure from current regulations. Presently, only men over 25 are subject to conscription, while women serve in the military solely on a volunteer basis.
Women have played an increasing role in Ukraine’s defense since Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014. Initially limited to support roles, female participation has grown significantly. As of January 2024, women comprised 7.3 percent of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, with over 62,000 women in service, including more than 45,000 in military roles. Women now serve in diverse positions, including combat roles such as snipers, machine-gunners, and reconnaissance leaders.
While the idea of drafting women is not new—General Valerii Zaluzhnyi has previously suggested it to bolster European defense—President Volodymyr Zelensky has opposed mandatory conscription for women, though he supports lowering the overall conscription age.
