Ukraine's Unprecedented Move: Freezing Bank Accounts of Draft Dodgers - Can Crypto Offer a Way Out? On February 7, the Ukrainian parliament took a bold step, approving the first reading of a bill that aims to tighten regulations for military conscription. But it doesn't stop there – the bill also proposes
freezing bank accounts of those trying to evade their duty in the face of the country's ongoing war.
This move not only underscores the gravity of the situation but also raises an intriguing question: could
cryptocurrency provide a potential workaround against such financial censorship?
Back in December 2023, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made it clear that
Ukraine needed more troops, seeking an additional half a million soldiers to fill the gaps left by battlefield losses. To bolster their forces, Ukraine even reached out to EU nations hosting Ukrainian refugees, urging them to send back eligible men. However, most countries have been reluctant to comply with this
war draft request.
In response, the Ukrainian parliament has now given its initial nod to a bill
that not only tightens mobilization rules but also makes it harder for citizens to dodge their military service. First presented on January 31, 2024, this bill has undergone
revisions and is now one step closer to becoming law. If passed, it will introduce stricter measures aimed at curbing evasion as Ukraine faces a pressing
need for soldiers in its defense against Russia's invasion.
The impact won't be limited to those within Ukraine's borders –
Ukrainian citizens living abroad may find themselves facing hurdles in accessing consular services if their military registration isn't up-to-date. The proposed reduction in the mandatory mobilization
age from 27 to 25 adds another layer of urgency.
