MOSCOW, December 26. /TASS/. The Ukrainian cabinet introduced a bill toughening the administrative and criminal responsibility for violating the rules of registration for military service and mobilization.

The Ukrainian parliament said on its website that the draft law has already been submitted to a relevant committee and that lawmakers can feel free to study the document that would "strengthen the administrative and criminal responsibility for violating laws on defense, conscription, military service, call-up training and mobilization."

However, in his latest interview, Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov explained that, by introducing new rules of mobilization, the authorities sought "to tweak the paradigm so that military service would not be seen as punishment."

The bill envisages a prison term of three to five years for refusal to undergo a medical examination. Also, those violating conscription rules may face a fine of up to $5,000.

On Monday, the Ukrainian government suggested that the Vekhovna Rada, or parliament, lower the conscription age from 27 years to 25 years. In addition, local government officials and employees would also need to ensure the arrival of citizens to military commissariats. Another proposal would cancel compulsory military service and introduce military training for all.