Zelenskyy’s Call to Draft Lawmakers Explained by Arakhamia: Serve as a Deputy or Fight on the Frontline.

New Push to Mobilize Parliament Members Under President Zelenskyy

According to Novyny.live: David Arakhamia has clarified President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s recent remarks about conscripting members of parliament, noting that legislative amendments could allow lawmakers to serve as military personnel. Zelenskyy’s statement on March 16 regarding the mobilization of deputies sparked widespread debate across Ukrainian society and the political sphere.

Arakhamia, who leads the 'Servant of the People' faction, emphasized that the president’s initiative could move forward if corresponding changes are made to the law. He stated:

“A deputy either works or fights.” – David Arakhamia

This reflects a firm approach to involving elected officials in the country’s defense efforts.

Debate Over Lawmakers’ Roles and Compensation

Separately, discussions around parliamentary duties have included Oleksandr Yurchenko’s report that several deputies are considering relinquishing their mandates due to low salaries—currently set at 50,000 hryvnias. Danylo Hetmantsev also weighed in, criticizing the Verkhovna Rada’s effectiveness, which could further influence lawmakers’ decisions on fulfilling their responsibilities.

As a result, the question of mobilizing parliamentarians and redefining their role in military operations is becoming increasingly pressing. The debate over potential legislative changes, initiated by the president, may mark a significant step in this direction.

This discussion highlights the gravity of Ukraine’s ongoing war and the urgent need to harness all available resources for national defense. Legal reforms could not only reshape the duties of deputies in wartime but also heighten their accountability to voters, potentially altering the country’s political landscape. At the same time, concerns over salary levels and the Rada’s overall performance remain critical factors that may affect lawmakers’ motivation to serve during this challenging period.