Ukraine halts consular services for men abroad amid mobilization efforts

The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stopped issuing passports and identity documents to Ukrainian men outside the country, per the new mobilization law requiring them to register at military offices.

At the Blue City passport office in Warsaw, the capital of Poland, crowds of men gathered to get their passports, and chaos ensued for days. During an interview, a distraught mother expressed her fear of sending her son to war. "She said she will not send her son to be slaughtered."

"Let Zelensky take his wife, children, and himself go to the front lines. Everyone should have the choice to fight or not," one of the women loudly expressed. "They're deceiving us. They're trying to force us back to the country at any cost," added 34-year-old Vadym.

"Mobilization is a common aspect of war. Obviously, we need more people. It's about justice and duty," said Vasyl Zvarych, the Ukrainian ambassador in Poland.

He explained that soldiers in the field must know there will be reinforcements, allowing them time to rest. He emphasized that serving one's country is a responsibility for every citizen, no matter their current location.

Zvarych mentioned that the estimates on how many Ukrainian men of conscription age live abroad are not precise. He assured that efforts are being made to enable these men to update their conscription status remotely.

The ambassador also addressed the criticism from Ukrainians in Poland regarding the new law. "We shouldn't dwell on the negative comments but rather highlight the valor of those who have chosen to defend their homeland," he opined.

"Being a citizen of Ukraine means having rights but obligations towards your country," he concluded.