Poroshenko signs law on modernizing procedure for serving in Ukrainian military

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has signed the Law "On introducing changes to several legal acts of Ukraine regarding the modernization of procedures for serving in Ukraine's military service."

According to the president's press service, realization of the law normalizes several issues connected Ukrainian citizens serving in the military. The law allows military service members on duty pursuant to various contracts during a specific period of time to decide to continue military service based on a new contract or to leave military service.

"This gives you the opportunity to serve out your contract with those who decided to return home. The measures do not impinge one iota on military capabilities and preparedness of units and formations, starting with those located in the Anti-Terrorist Operation (ATO) zone, battle operations to defend our state," the head of state told Defense Minister Stepan Poltorak and the chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Viktor Muzhenko.

Poroshenko also said rotating new personnel into the military ranks will be done in stages and that contract military service is proceeding according to schedule.

"We are nearing the 70,000 number. This is evidence of the high level of the patriotism and preparedness of citizens to defend Ukraine under arms," the president said. "We can indeed confirm that in 2.5 years we have built a new Ukrainian army," he said.

The document also includes changes to the law of Ukraine "On military duty and military service," and changes to other laws, including the law of Ukraine "On providing pensions for individuals who have left military service and several other types of citizens, regulating issues for keeping the social benefits of servicemen and servicewomen in tact.