Ukraine Suspends Passport Services for Male Citizens Abroad to Compel Military Service

Ukraine has announced that it is suspending passport services for male citizens abroad in an effort to compel them to return and join the military amid the ongoing conflict with Russia. The Ukrainian government has temporarily barred military-age men from applying for passports abroad, requiring them to obtain passports only within Ukraine. The new regulation, announced by the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry, affects men aged 18 to 60 who wish to leave the war-hit country.

Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba criticized Ukrainians living abroad for not serving in the military, stating that "staying abroad does not relieve a citizen of his or her duties to the homeland." Embassies and consulates will now have to offer assistance to applicants seeking a special certificate to return to Ukraine, and private agencies are no longer allowed to handle passport applications. The new rules do not apply to those allowed to cross state borders under martial law, such as those with disabilities.

Why this matters: The move is aimed at increasing troop numbers as Ukraine faces a shortage of troops in the fight against the Russian invasion. An estimated 860,000 Ukrainian military-age men are living in the European Union, with more than hundreds of thousands expected to be living abroad as the war-hit nation faces manpower shortages on the front lines.

Poland and Lithuania have expressed willingness to assist Ukraine in returning these men, though the specific mechanisms are unclear. The Polish government is considering new regulations that would require Ukrainians to have valid passports to access benefits, which could further impact those who have not returned. However, there are concerns about the uncertainty and lack of clarity around how these measures will be implemented in practice, and the potential impact on the Ukrainian community in Poland.

The decision has sparked criticism from opposition lawmakers and Ukrainians living abroad, who argue that it violates human rights and will only alienate them further. However, the government defends the move, stating that those who have fled abroad and are not fighting at the front lines should not receive state services. "Protecting the rights and interests of Ukrainian citizens abroad remains a priority, but the main priority is to protect Ukraine from destruction," emphasized Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba.

As the war with Russia continues, Ukraine is scrambling to obtain more weapons and ammunition from a U.S. aid package to support its troops on the eastern front line. The situation on the ground remains difficult, with Ukraine's forces running short of artillery ammunition and air defense missiles, allowing the Kremlin's forces to make incremental progress in parts of eastern Ukraine. The suspension of passport services for military-age men outside the country is

Key Takeaways

• Ukraine suspends passport services for military-age men abroad to compel return.
• Estimated 860,000 Ukrainian military-age men living in EU, creating troop shortage.
• Poland and Lithuania offer to assist Ukraine in returning these men.
• Measure criticized as violating human rights, but Ukraine prioritizes defending the country.
• Ukraine faces ammunition and air defense shortages, hampering efforts against Russia.