Ukraine is considering toughening penalties for those who avoid mobilization. According to Andriy Osadchuk, a member of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Law Enforcement, the initiative includes blocking bank accounts and seizing property through administrative proceedings. These measures have been taken because increasing fines may not work, as not everyone will be able or willing to pay them. Osadchuk noted that such a situation could overwhelm the court enforcement services with a large number of proceedings.
“It’s a lot of money for Kyiv, for me, but for some provincial towns and villages, it’s a lot of money. So, most likely, we will have a massive situation when these fines will not be paid by citizens, because they may simply not have the money or they may not want to do it. And, of course, then the enforcement procedure is triggered, and thus it will be possible to block accounts and impose a levy on property,” Osadchuk explained.
As a reminder, the new law No. 10379 on increased liability for military offenses increased fines. The fine for violation of the legislation on mobilization will amount to 34-85 thousand hryvnias. UAH, and for violations during a special period from 153 thousand. up to 204 thousand. UAH (previously it was UAH 3400-8500). For Kyiv, the average salary is 20-25 thousand hryvnias, and for the province, such amounts are often fantastic. Therefore, the new fines will be paid only in large cities, and not always.
The MP also mentioned that the Ministry of Defense and the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine are reviving the idea of blocking accounts starting in December 2023, although it was initially rejected by the Verkhovna Rada as unconstitutional. Now they have decided to implement it through legal procedures. A fine is imposed on a person, often this fine will not be paid, and then the court seizes property and accounts. In other words, in any case, the TCC has been granted rights that probably look fantastic even in Russia. Whether such repressions will lead to an increase in the number of mobilized people is a rhetorical question.
