OF THE
TIMES
"These recommendations are already there, yet they have not been approved, because we need to discuss these recommendations with the NOC Athletes Commission. We're ironing out the last few issues, and it will be approved."The conduct guidelines effectively boil down to discouraging athletes from any contact with Russians during the Games, Gutzeit explained:
"Do not congratulate each other, of course, do not stand up for any mass photos, do not give joint interviews, of course, do not shake hands."
10 Apr, 2024 16:46Denmark becomes latest European country to conscript women into military (Mar 2024)
Ukraine moves closer to drafting convicts
Lawmakers have been eager to allow inmates to serve on the frontline of Kiev's armed conflict with Russia
The Ukrainian parliament on Wednesday advanced the proposal to enable the mobilization of certain categories of convicted criminals. Those who join up may see their sentences reduced or commuted.
With no votes against and 281 in favor, proposal 11079-1 sailed through the Verkhovna Rada in the first reading, lawmaker Yaroslav Zheleznyak wrote on his Telegram channel.
As written, the bill allows courts to grant conditional parole to inmates serving sentences at correctional facilities, so they can enlist in the military.
Persons convicted of rape, sexual assault, murder of two or more persons, crimes against the national security of Ukraine, drunk driving that resulted in death of at least one person, corruption, terrorism or financing of terrorism would not be eligible.
However, Zheleznyak said he expected the second version of the bill would expand eligibility to those convicted of corruption and more "serious" crimes.
The bill would also add a provision to the criminal code that evasion of military service by those paroled would be punishable by 5-10 years in prison.
Ukraine has had to rely on forced conscription to replenish its frontline units, due to a shortage of volunteers and a high number of battlefield casualties. In early February, prior to losing the Donbass stronghold of Avdeevka, several commanders told reporters that their units were already operating at 35% strength or less.
[...]
Denmark will call up women as well as men as it expands conscription to respond to Europe's changing security climate.Ukraine dramatically expands military conscription to women under 60 (Dec 2021)
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said the revised policy was designed to increase the number of young people doing military service.
Conscripts will also be expected to serve more time in the military - 11 months, compared with four months at the moment.
"We are not rearming because we want war, destruction, or suffering. We are rearming right now to avoid war and in a world where the international order is being challenged," Frederiksen told reporters on Wednesday, indirectly referring to Russia's military moves in recent years and months.
The Defense Ministry commented on the ombudsman's words on Thursday, telling Zvezda TV channel that the manning of forces is currently accomplished with conscripted recruits and contract servicemen, and that women's rights were not being infringed upon.Ukraine women speaking out: Citizens resisting conscription (Feb 2015)
The ministry added that conscription for men is a duty, not a right, and that women can join the forces voluntarily and reach any rank - from private soldier to general.
The ministry also stated that Russia currently has about 45,000 females in the military, most of whom serve in communications troops, logistics units, and in military schools. The total number of active military servicemen is currently about 830,000.
Comment: A sometimes well-intended but nevertheless stupid idea: