In war-ravaged Ukraine, soldiers’ families demand cap on military service time

Scores of protesters took to the streets of at least seven Ukrainian cities on Friday to demand a cap on the country’s mandatory military service tenure as the war with Russia reaches its 20th month. (Reuters)

Since the conflict is expected to drag on into next year, the protesters demanded that the cap of 18 months be regularised for the mandatory military service. Currently, the service tenure is open-ended for draftees, and putting the 18-month cap on it would make it same as before the war. (Reuters)

Hundreds of wives, mothers, children and relatives of the Ukrainian soldiers formed a loose national network and demanded that the Ukrainian Parliament consider possibly changing the serving time. In the picture, Kateryna Zahidko, who waits for her husband to return from the frontline, holds a poster reading "Defined period of service means calmness for families of soldiers" while attending the meeting. (AP Photo)

In the capital city of Kyiv, demonstrators called for the return of their loved ones through banners, while also chanting “Demobilise the soldiers”. In the picture is Liliia, who waits for her father to return from the frontline, holding a poster reading "Bring my father back. Demobilization!" (AP Photo)

After Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine on February 22, 2022, Ukraine ordered a general mobilisation of male citizens between ages 25 to 60. Though the majority of Ukrainian soldiers joined as volunteers, Ukraine has ramped up the draft with the war not nearing an end. (AP Photo)

“I live in constant fear for his life,” said Valeriia Koliada, 35, said of her husband who volunteered for the military, reported AP. “It’s nerve-wracking for me. He is tired as well,” she said. A relative of a soldier, in the picture, holds a poster reading "Give me exact term service and I will wait." (AP Photo)

To cope with the losses of soldiers and defence equipment, Russia has not only stepped up its military production, but also has reportedly turned to North Korea and Iran to replenish its defence stockpiles. On the other hand, Kyiv has been urging its allies in the West for vital support as the losses pile up. You can see in the picture Mark, 4, who waits for his father to return from the frontline, attending the meeting. (AP Photo)

In another blow to Ukraine, the 27-nation European Union seems to be reeling away from its support for Ukraine. In an address by video-conference to the EU summit, Zelenskyy urged the bloc to stand firmly together against Putin. (Reuters)