Kyiv's bold move: Forcing draft-age Ukrainians abroad to return

On April 23, Kyiv suddenly stopped providing consular services to men aged 18 to 60. Ukrainians cannot, among other tasks, collect a passport, renounce citizenship, or change marital status. This will only be possible once they have submitted their current details to the so-called military recruitment center, which will enable Kyiv to send a draft notice.

The decision by Kyiv has led to great outrage, with dramatic scenes occurring at consular posts. "Let Zelenskiy take his wife, children, and go fight himself. Every person has the right to choose: to fight or not," shouted one of the women at the Ukrainian passport office on Al. Jerozolimskie in Warsaw.

Due to the martial law in place in Ukraine, men aged 18 to 60 are banned from leaving the country. Nevertheless, many have fled, using bribes or fake medical certificates. Since February 24, 2022, thousands of men have left the country.

"We all felt as if the ground had been pulled out from under our feet," said Oleksandr, a 42-year-old from Kyiv, currently living in Austria, in a conversation with "NYT". "Ukraine no longer wants to support us," he added. Oleksandr, like other interviewed men, agreed to the conversation on condition of anonymity, fearing "ostracism or other consequences".

Supporters of the mobilization law, passed by the Ukrainian parliament after months, argue that men living outside Ukraine – potentially tens of thousands – are not supporting their country enough during its greatest need.

Ukrainian officials maintain that the mobilization law will bring "fairness" to the process, removing many exceptions and streamlining drafting. They also emphasize the government's urgent need for accurate information on citizens eligible for military service.

Registering a marriage, obtaining a driver's license, or issuing a passport will only be possible when a man has a certificate from a military commission, confirming he is registered in the database, and the army can call him to the front at any time.

In a phone conversation, Oleksandr, who lived in Austria before the invasion, said he feels persecuted by the Ukrainian government. "It was done as a move in the style of 'go to hell. Now we'll catch you, make you feel bad, and penalize you,'" he said. "I'm not afraid of death. What I fear most is being captured and experiencing torture," he emphasized.

Since the first months of the war, the world has been shocked by reports of the treatment of Ukrainian prisoners, who have endured hours-long beatings, rapes, mock executions, starvation, or electric shocks.

As "NYT" notes, the new law has intensified the divide between those at the front line and those living safely away from Ukraine.

Kyiv officials claim that the mobilization law, effective from mid-May, could provide "hundreds of thousands of new soldiers for warfare, needed to stop Russia".

"There will be no restrictions or forced returns of Ukrainian citizens, of any gender and age, to the country at war," said Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine Olha Stefaniszyna. However, she added, "There are no easy solutions to war problems and let's not forget, the war goes on and we must win it."

The number of Ukrainians denied consular services remains unknown. Many men left Ukraine legally for reasons including treatment or studies.

Officials from the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs are trying to estimate the total number of citizens living abroad. According to Eurostat data, approximately 650,000 men affected by Kyiv's actions live in Europe alone.

"I have always positioned myself and will continue to be a Ukrainian in any situation. But if the state considers me a traitor, then I admit, it won't be a pleasant feeling for me," he added.

The American newspaper highlights that the new law means many Ukrainians will be forced to apply for asylum or remain in legal limbo.

Some expressed feeling betrayed, while others fear the Ukrainian government may implement even harsher measures to replenish the army.

Some men understand the government's position. 35-year-old Savelii living in London mentioned the government "had to choose from a number of bad options".

"Part of these actions is about restoring some balance. It's unfair that men in Ukraine have to live like this now. There's a feeling that we, men living outside the country's borders, have more privileges and freedoms. But the situation isn't black and white," he added. "There are also people who still live in the country, who pretend there's no war at the moment, and people living away from home, who work every day to support Ukraine," he emphasized.

European officials appear divided over trying to force Ukrainians to return home and fight.

Anneli Vicks, adviser to the Estonian Minister of the Interior, indicated on Tuesday that her country "does not plan for forced repatriation of Ukrainian citizens legally residing in Estonia, who fled because of the war."

53-year-old Oleksander, who lives in the United Kingdom, mentioned that his passport is valid for another three years. "It hasn't personally caused me any inconvenience, although it is offensive, since I haven't broken any law of Ukraine," he said. However, I do not rule out the possibility that I will need to use the consulate," he added.

Oleksander stated he "never stopped being Ukrainian" and "would like to return and be useful" in the future. However, he has "serious doubts about returning" as he is "not ready to entrust his life to the current government."

36-year-old Vladyslav, who lives in Spain, said he left Ukraine legally, on a deferment basis. Vladyslav mentioned that once the new electronic registry is operational, he will "immediately register" and provide his details. Nonetheless, he is concerned that those living abroad might face further restrictions, like blocked access to Ukrainian bank accounts.

"If they start blocking suddenly, just like that, it won't be okay for me," said Vladyslav. "Because I run a business in Ukraine and pay taxes there. If I suddenly lose access to banking services, I will have to fully transition to staying in the EU," he emphasized.

Vasily, 40, lives in Germany and applied for a second passport but now wonders if he will receive it. Vasily believes the biggest danger of the law is that it creates divisions among Ukrainians. "Russia itself will not destroy Ukraine as long as Ukrainians don't help it," he said.

"Such actions by the government simply burned bridges, the life of which fits in a suitcase," he added.