Ukrainians abroad will not get draft notices — Defense Ministry
It “seems unrealistic” for Ukrainian military recruitment centers to operate and serve summons to military-age men abroad, Defense Ministry spokesperson Dmytro Lazutkin told RFE/RL on April 25.
He also refused to comment on a recent Foreign Ministry decree that suspended consular services to draft-eligible Ukrainian citizens abroad.
Once the new law on mobilization comes into effect on May 18, Ukrainian men aged 25-60 will have 60 days to update their military registration through a dedicated web portal, which can be done both in Ukraine and abroad.
“There is no need to return to Ukraine, but if a person wants to defend his homeland, wants to join the Defense Forces, then, of course, it is worth coming to Ukraine..,” said Lazutkin.
“For those who are abroad, it will be possible to do this at consular offices, as well as online.”
The ministry is currently working to make sure the web page is operational by June.
“It does not currently allow military medical examinations; it is primarily about updating data, such as change of residence, change of marital status, deferment, etc,” he added.
Earlier in the day, Polish Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz said that Warsaw was ready to facilitate the return of military-age male Ukrainians currently living in Poland to fulfil their civic duty at home.
Lithuanian Defense Minister Laurynas Kasčiūnas also said that Vilnius would be watching Poland's approach to the issue closely and might follow suit.
German Interior Ministry spokesperson Maximilian Kall said that Kyiv's decision to limit consular services for Ukrainian men would not affect their refugee status in Germany.
According to the Eurostat database estimates, about 4.3 million Ukrainians are currently living in EU countries, including about 860,000 adult men. Of these, Poland has granted temporary protection status to 950,000 Ukrainians, the second highest number after Germany.
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