Prison Terms of 3 to 8 Years Proposed for Ukraine's Draft and Medical Board Officials Who Violate Mobilization Rules

Parliamentary Committee Endorses Bill No. 12442 to Criminalize Abuse in Draft and Medical Examinations

According to Главком: Ukraine's Parliamentary Committee on Law Enforcement Activities has recommended the adoption of Bill No. 12442, which introduces criminal liability for officials from Territorial Recruitment Centers (TRCs) and members of Military Medical Commissions (MMCs) who violate procedures related to conscription and medical assessments. Under the proposed legislation, those found guilty could face imprisonment ranging from 3 to 8 years.

Bill No. 12442 would add two new articles to the Criminal Code: Article 337-1 and Article 426-2. Article 337-1 targets chairs and members of MMCs for intentional breaches of medical examination protocols that could lead to illegal conscription or draft evasion. Article 426-2 addresses TRC officials who violate conscription order procedures, similarly resulting in unlawful drafting or avoidance of service.

Why This Law Is Needed

The push for this legislation stems from documented abuses during recent mobilization campaigns, which include:

• illegal conscription
• unlawful issuance of deferments
• manipulation of medical examination results

Additionally, the bill expands the scope of persons subject to anti-corruption criminal provisions, now covering chairs, deputies, and members of MMCs.

In March 2025, the Verkhovna Rada passed Bill No. 12442 in its first reading, with 273 lawmakers voting in favor. Notably, the law's enactment would not require additional state budget expenditures. Meanwhile, courts are already imposing administrative fines-up to 17,000 hryvnias-on TRC employees who conduct mobilization activities without video recording.

The adoption of Bill No. 12442 could significantly strengthen legal order during mobilization processes by creating clear legal mechanisms to punish violations that lead to illegal conscription or draft evasion. It also reflects the state's ongoing efforts to combat corruption in military recruitment, a critical issue given the current wartime challenges.