The Status of Draft Law 13574
The Ukrainian parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, has voted against Draft Law 13574, which sought to eliminate military mobilization deferrals for university students over the age of 25. This decision has sparked considerable debate among lawmakers, who expressed divergent views on the balance between education and wartime conscription needs. The issue of student deferrals has been contentious since the full-scale invasion began, as the military seeks to bolster its ranks.
Serhiy Babak, head of the parliamentary committee on education, science, and innovation, provided key figures. He noted that before 2022, approximately 30,000 men over 25 were enrolled in higher and professional education. However, by September 1, 2025, that number had surged to around 250,000 individuals. According to available information, roughly 50,000 students have been expelled from educational institutions during this period.
Parliamentary Debate and Planned Audits
During the debate, MP Oleksiy Honcharenko argued that educational issues should not automatically implicate all students. He urged authorities to investigate specific cases of abuse within universities rather than broadly labeling all students as potential draft evaders.
Furthermore, Ukrainian authorities plan to conduct inspections of approximately 50 colleges and higher education institutions, which could significantly impact the future of student deferrals and mobilization. The debate over maintaining deferrals for students over 25 remains a pressing societal issue. The parliament's rejection of the bill highlights the difficulty of reconciling the nation's educational requirements with its defense needs during a prolonged war. The dramatic increase in older students reflects shifting educational patterns and the challenges faced by institutions. The upcoming audits may prove a crucial step in ensuring educational quality and legal compliance under martial law.