Maryana Bezuhla proposes mandatory military service for all school leavers

Involvement of women and militarisation of society

People's Deputy Maryana Bezuhla expressed her conviction regarding the need for the deep militarisation of Ukrainian society and the integration of women into the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. She emphasised that all citizens should undergo military service after completing school.

Appearing on the media outlet "Shelter", the politician stated that Ukraine should look to the experience of states, particularly Israel, where military service is standard practice for everyone. In her words, current security challenges require expanding the circle of citizens involved in defending the state, which should include women.

Position on length of service and exemptions

«Дівчата і хлопці, от завершив школу — всі мають служити хоча б один-два роки. Знаєте у нас навіть з радянської системи був цей підхід для хлопців», — наголосила депутатка. (Girls and boys, once you finish school — everyone should serve at least one or two years. You know, even in the Soviet system, we had this approach for boys)

In addition, Bezuhla advocated for the establishment of mandatory conscript military service without any exemptions or deferments for obtaining higher education.

The problem of rotation and the exemption/reserve system

The politician also drew attention to the fact that without expanding the mobilisation pool and reviewing the current exemption/reserve rules, it is impossible to ensure regular rotation of troops and establish clear terms of service for those already on the front line.

«Якщо ми не встановимо ротації й не збільшимо пул тих, хто буде служити, ми просто не забезпечимо людям терміни служби. Це несправедливо коли в нас одні фактично в рабстві, а інші, наприклад, чиновники, заброньовані», — додала Безугла. (If we do not establish rotation and increase the pool of those who will serve, we simply will not be able to guarantee people their terms of service. It is unfair when some are effectively in slavery, while others, for example, officials, are exempted/reserved)