Ukraine has recently put increased pressure on military-age citizens living abroad to return to the country. The Foreign Ministry of Ukraine announced a temporary suspension of receiving new applications for consular services for Ukrainians aged 18 to 60 residing outside the country. Men in this age group will only be issued identity cards for returning to Ukraine until further notice. They are currently working on developing a mechanism to update and verify the information on the military status of men in this age group who are temporarily abroad. Once this mechanism is complete, further explanations will be provided, and men with legitimate military status will be able to use consular services again.
The Foreign Ministry did not specify how they intend to handle individuals who are illegally staying abroad. Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba had previously ordered measures to restore the balance between men of military age in Ukraine and those abroad. Kiev recently tightened the rules for the mobilization of soldiers, with harsher punishments for conscientious objectors and delayed release for those completing military service. After over two years of war, Ukraine has struggled to recruit new soldiers to the army, falling behind Russian aggressors.
The government’s efforts have been met with mixed reactions from Ukrainian citizens living abroad. Some see it as an attempt by Kiev to reclaim control over its citizens and protect its national security interests, while others view it as an infringement on their civil liberties and right to live where they choose. The suspension of consular services has also led to frustration among Ukrainian expats who need assistance with legal matters such as renewing passports or obtaining travel documents.
Despite these challenges, however, there is hope that the temporary suspension of consular services will ultimately help Ukraine strengthen its position in the conflict against Russian aggression. By ensuring that all eligible citizens have access to military enlistment options, Kiev can increase its army’s strength and better defend its territory from enemy attacks. Additionally, by cracking down on conscientious objectors and increasing punishment for desertion, Kiev can send a strong message that it takes its national defense seriously and will not tolerate disloyalty from its citizens