Recognizing the need for fairness and equity, Ukraine has temporarily suspended consular services for men of military age (18-60) who are currently residing abroad. This decision, announced by Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, is a response to concerns raised about the treatment of those who have remained in Ukraine to defend their country against Russia’s invasion.
In a statement on social media, Kuleba emphasized the importance of restoring fair treatment for men of conscription age both within Ukraine and abroad. He criticized those who flee the country and then attempt to access consular services, stating that it is unacceptable for individuals to evade their responsibilities to their homeland while it is at war.
Prior to this suspension, media outlets reported that Ukrainian consulates in Prague and Barcelona had already stopped providing services to men of military age. This action followed Ukraine’s approval of a contentious mobilization statute aimed at bolstering its military strength. The country has faced a labor crisis and implemented strict penalties for those who attempt to avoid the draft.
According to estimates by the BBC in November 2023, approximately 650,000 men of military age have left Ukraine for the EU since the start of the full-scale invasion. Ukrainian law generally prohibits men aged 18-60 from leaving the country during martial law due to the potential for military conscription.
Foreign Minister Kuleba stated that further clarifications regarding the procedures for obtaining consular services within the legal framework for men of conscription age will be provided by the Foreign Ministry in the near future.
