On Wednesday, the Ukrainian government approved regulations according to which men aged 18-60 who want to leave Ukraine or are staying outside Ukraine will be able to obtain a passport of a Ukrainian citizen only within their country. Earlier, the media reported that Ukrainian consulates had stopped providing services to men of this age.
“Obtaining a passport by a citizen of Ukraine aged 18 to 60 for traveling abroad takes place in the territorial unit of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Such passports are not sent to a separate branch or foreign diplomatic mission of Ukraine for issuance,” the government said in a statement. Kiev. These rules do not apply to citizens who were allowed to cross state borders during martial law, including disabled people.
The regulations were announced a day after Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba suspended the provision of consular services to Ukrainians of military age until May 18 and stated that “being abroad does not release you from your obligations to the state.” He also criticized people who, being abroad, avoid participating in the war with the Russian aggressor.
“We are restoring a fair approach.” Media: Ukrainian consulates do not serve men of military age
“If these people believe that someone far away at the front is fighting and giving their life for this country, and someone will stay abroad and receive services from the state, then it doesn't work like that,” Kułeba wrote on Tuesday. X platform
New mobilization law
On May 18, a new mobilization law will enter into force in Ukraine, which introduces a number of changes to the current military recruitment system, including extending the authorities' powers to issue calls for military service via an electronic system.
Kułeba announced on Tuesday that after this date, “the process of accepting and examining applications for consular activities will continue, taking into account the new requirements arising from the provisions of the Act.”
Also on Tuesday, Ukrainian media reported that Ukrainian consulates had stopped providing services to men aged 18-60. The Suspilne portal provided this information, citing several consulates, including those in Poland and the Czech Republic.
Main photo source: Abaca/PAP