Ukraine Parliament Passes New Conscript Law After Months of Delay
In a long-awaited move, Ukraine’s parliament finally passed a law on Thursday to regulate the recruitment of new conscripts. This decision came after months of foot-dragging and numerous amendments aimed at diluting the initial draft.
Former army Commander Valerii Zaluzhny had requested the law, citing the need for up to 500,000 new recruits to bolster the army ranks. The fatigue of soldiers on the frontlines, coupled with the evasion of the draft by many Ukrainian men, highlighted the urgency of the situation.
The new law introduces significant changes by empowering Ukrainian authorities to issue draft notices electronically, streamlining the recruitment process.
Although the initial estimate of required recruits was revised downward by current army chief Oleksandr Syrskyi and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, tensions remain high due to the ongoing conflict with Russia.
Japanese Prime Minister to Address US Lawmakers Amid Rising Tensions
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is set to address US lawmakers in a bid to underscore the importance of the strong partnership between Japan and the United States. This comes at a crucial time of escalating tensions in the Asia-Pacific region and growing skepticism in Congress about US foreign involvement.
As part of “The Quad” alliance, Japan has been actively supporting Western sanctions against Russia following its invasion of Ukraine. The upcoming address aims to solidify US-Japan ties and navigate complex geopolitical challenges.
Switzerland to Host International Conference on Ukraine Peace Process
Switzerland announced plans to host a high-level international conference in June to facilitate peace efforts in Ukraine after years of conflict. The conference will bring together government officials from various countries to discuss a path towards peace, with hopes of engaging Russia in the process.
Despite challenges and differing peace proposals, the conference signals a collective effort to address the ongoing crisis and seek diplomatic solutions to end the conflict.
Russian Crackdown Intensifies Against Dissenters
Russia’s crackdown on dissent has reached unprecedented levels, with more Kremlin critics added to a wanted list. The government’s aggressive actions against opposition activists, journalists, and critics have escalated since the conflict in Ukraine began.
The targeting of individuals like women’s rights activist Darya Serenko and journalist Mikhail Zygar reflects the wider crackdown on freedom of expression and dissenting voices in Russia. As the crackdown continues, many critics have been forced to leave the country to avoid persecution.
