Ukraine hasn't asked Poland for help returning draft-age men — Ambassador
Kyiv hasn't approached Poland regarding the return of draft-age men, Ukrainian Ambassador to Poland, Vasyl Zvarych, said in an interview with the Polish news TVN24 on April 27.
Read also: US pressures Kyiv to address conscription issues — NYT
Ukraine currently aims to check and verify the number of draft-age men residing abroad, Zvarych said.
The new conscription law stipulates that within 60 days after its entry into force, every person of military age must report and verify their data at recruitment points.
When asked whether Ukraine would need help in transporting those citizens whose right of residence in Poland will expire, the ambassador replied that so far Kyiv has not made such a request to the Polish side.
"Let's wait," he said.
"I think everything will be done normally, without any panic."
Each country's government should decide whether to allow draft-age Ukrainian men to stay with invalid passports, as it's their "sovereign decision," Zvarych said.
"We can't force anything," he said.
"For us, the most important thing is that the implementation of the conscription law is efficient and transparent, so everyone understands what it entails."
Temporary suspension of consular services for Ukrainian men
Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry has instructed its diplomats abroad to suspend consular services for draft-eligible Ukrainian citizens, except for processing documents to return to Ukraine, Ukrainian newspaper ZN.UA reported on April 22.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba confirmed on April 23 that military-age male Ukrainian citizens abroad will no longer be able to obtain or renew passports and travel documents abroad unless they intend to return to Ukraine. The move is aimed at broadening the pool of potential military recruits, given Kyiv’s urgent need for additional manpower.
Read also: Ukrainians abroad will not get draft notices — Defense Ministry
Ukraine’s parliamentary National Security and Intelligence Committee announced on April 24 that it intends to summon Foreign Ministry officials to explain the legal basis for these restrictions.
Warsaw is ready to facilitate the return of military-age male Ukrainians currently living in Poland to fulfill their civic obligations at home, Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz said on April 24.
We’re bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!
Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
