Mobilization, use of the Armed Forces, and firearms for civilians fighting off the aggressor

10 March 2022
Mobilization, use of the Armed Forces, and firearms for civilians fighting off the aggressor
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On March 3, a week after the beginning of the invasion of the regular army of the Russian Federation into the territory of Ukraine, the Verkhovna Rada held a session to adopt several laws of crucial importance to Ukraine. The laws adopted are aimed at preserving the statehood of Ukraine and constitutional order.

Verkhovna Rada approved mobilization and allowed the use of the Armed Forces

Who is affected: Ukrainian citizens, service members of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and other military units, businesses, the Cabinet, ministries, other central executive bodies, and local governments.

Summary:

Background: earlier, the President has issued a decree On General Mobilization:

  • mobilization is conducted for 90 days on the territory of all oblasts and Kyiv city

  • the General Staff defines the order and volumes of drafting persons subject to military service and vehicles

  • the Security Service conducts counterintelligence activities while mobilization is in effect.

Why this is important:

  • in the morning of February 24, 2022, the regular army of the Russian Federation started the invasion on the territory of Ukraine and fired on airfields and military installations with cruise and ballistic missiles

  • for almost two weeks the Armed Forces of Ukraine, other military units, law enforcement bodies, and Ukrainian citizens are fiercely fighting off the occupants.

What is right:

Civilians are allowed to defend Ukraine with firearms

Who is affected: Ukrainian citizens, foreigners, stateless persons, the Armed Forces of Ukraine, other military units, and the National Police.

Summary:

  • under martial law, Ukrainian citizens, foreigners, and stateless persons can participate in fighting off and deterring the Russian aggression, in particular, receive firearms and ammunition

  • civilians will be allowed to use the received firearms the same way as service members use firearms to fight off the armed aggression

  • within 10 days after martial law is lifted, civilians have to return the received firearms and spare ammunition to the National Police

  • under martial law, Ukrainian citizens are allowed to participate in fighting off and deterring the aggression using their award, sports, or hunting firearms — rifled, smoothbore, or combination

  • civilians will not be held responsible for using firearms against persons that perpetrate aggression against Ukraine.

What is right: civilians will help the Armed Forces of Ukraine and other military units to fight off the aggressor. This will add significant pressure on the occupants.

Principles of expropriation of Russian assets in Ukraine approved

Who is affected: citizens, representatives of the Russian Federation, the Cabinet, the National Security and Defense Council, and the President.

Summary:

  • Ukraine will be able to expropriate assets of the Russian Federation without any compensation

  • a respective decision has to be prepared by the Cabinet and adopted by the National Security and Defense Council. Within 6 months after martial law is lifted or ends, all decrees on expropriation of assets have to be approved by the Verkhovna Rada

  • the law provisions that the Russian Federation can be held liable for the aggression, in particular, to pay reparations for the damage caused by the war.

What is right:

  • there will be fewer assets owned by the Russian Federation that it can use against Ukraine

  • Ukraine will be able to use the expropriated assets to its benefit under martial law.

What’s next: after the war ends, the Verkhovna Rada will have to find a way to legalize the expropriated assets in accordance with the Constitution and international agreements. The mechanism introduced now will be in force only under martial law.