A protest is taking place on Independence Square in Kyiv against the draft law passed by the Ukrainian parliament in the first reading that would toughen criminal liability for soldiers for disobedience.
Source: an Ukrainska Pravda correspondent from Independence Square
Details: Protesters are holding handmade signs reading: “You are punishing the wrong ones”, “We must protect those who protect us”, “Repression is not discipline” and others.
People protesting in Kyiv**Photo: Ukrainska Pravda
They are also chanting: “Service is not slavery!”
“No. 13452, No. 13260 are cringe”
Photo: Ukrainska Pravda
Veteran Alina Sarnatska previously wrote on Facebook about the demands to the authorities to stop pressuring military personnel. In particular, she called for not adopting draft law No. 13452, repealing of the provisions of law No. 8271 from 2022, and passing a law on a military ombudsman.
People protesting in Kyiv**Photo: Ukrainska Pravda
Sarnatska also noted that the protest is peaceful and urged participants to avoid loud noises, fire, flares, speakers, megaphones, and to ensure safety and prevent provocations.
People protesting in Kyiv**Photo: Ukrainska Pravda
“The rally has been approved by the military administration and the Kyiv City State Administration. Dialogue police will help us ensure security at the gathering,” she wrote.
У п’ятницю ввечері в Києві на Майдані незалежності проходить акція проти проголосованого у першому читанні законопроєкту про посилення кримінальної відповідальності для військових за непокору. pic.twitter.com/Xm6VduaEq6
— Українська правда ✌️ (@ukrpravda_news) September 5, 2025
Background: On 4 September, the Verkhovna Rada (Ukrainian parliament) passed in the first reading draft law No. 13260, which toughens criminal liability for soldiers for disobedience. The draft law provides for the reinstatement of criminal liability for being absent without leave and desertion.
Support Ukrainska Pravda on Patreon!
From Ukrainska Pravda via this RSS feed