Draft dodgers may lose their rights and accounts: what the government proposes

Initiative to strengthen legislation on draft evasion

The initiative of the committee member on national security and defense Fedor Venislavskyy is being considered in the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, which proposes strengthening legislation regarding draft evasion during mobilization. The proposals include:

• blocking bank accounts;
• prohibition on driving a vehicle for individuals who evade their military duties.

Venislavskyy noted that the consequences of evasion should become more severe, as they need to complicate the lives of draft evaders.

Law enforcement activities

Throughout 2025, law enforcement agencies in Ukraine dismantled 420 criminal groups involved in the illegal transportation of men across the border. This activity by law enforcement has become an important step in the fight against draft evasion. Since September 2025, there has been a decrease in the number of citizens attempting to cross the border illegally, which may indicate the effectiveness of the measures taken.

In October 2025, 28 criminal gangs were exposed, underscoring the activity of law enforcement in this area. As Andriy Demchenko noted:

'Throughout this year, our operational staff, along with other law enforcement forces, have uncovered a significant number of such criminal groups.'

The introduction of new restrictions, such as blocking bank accounts and prohibiting driving, may become an additional tool in the fight against draft dodgers.

Thus, Venislavskyy's proposals may become an important stage in strengthening control over draft evasion, emphasizing the state's serious approach to the fulfillment of military duties by citizens.

This initiative is part of a broader strategy of Ukraine aimed at ensuring national security in the context of prolonged military aggression. Strengthening legislation and active actions by law enforcement can increase citizens' responsibility for failing to fulfill military duties, which, in turn, can reduce the number of draft dodgers. Such measures also highlight the importance of collective support for the state's efforts in the context of military mobilization.