Ukraine has temporarily banned Ukrainian men of military age from applying for or renewing passports abroad, reports Sky News.
Based on the measure, men between the ages of 18 and 60 can only apply for or renew their passports in Ukraine. Ukraine’s foreign ministry also said consular services for men in the age group would be suspended until May 18.
Photo: EPA/SERGEY KOZLOV
There were signs of the measure, as Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitro Kuleba sharply criticized emigrant Ukrainian men yesterday, stating that staying abroad does not exempt citizens from their obligations to the homeland. According to estimates, about 86,000 Ukrainian men of military age live in the EU.
Poland would distract them from home
After Ukraine’s announcement, Poland’s defense minister said the country was ready to help Ukrainian men of military age prepare to fight Russia. Speaking to Polsat News television, Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz said Poland was ready to help return Ukrainian men who had been conscripted to Kiev for military service, without giving details on how.
