Ukraine freezes all consular services for military-aged men abroad
Ukrainian consulates are set to “temporarily suspend” all services to men between the ages of 18 and 60, who will only be able to procure documents by returning home, Ukraine's Minister for Foreign Affairs has confirmed.
The measure is set to be enacted on Tuesday and remain in place until the foreign ministry receives guidelines on the controversial mobilization law that was signed by President Vladimir Zelensky last week.
The new legislation, which had been deliberated for weeks by the country’s parliament before being adopted, is set to take effect in May.
A letter reportedly signed by Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Sibiga and addressed to the heads of all Ukrainian foreign missions referred to two clauses providing a basis for additional restrictions on travel to and from the country, as well as limiting the movements of military-eligible individuals who lack exemptions.
Top Ukrainian officials have repeatedly expressed a desire to somehow bring military-age refugees back to the country. Multiple EU nations, such as Germany, Austria, Hungary, and the Czech Republic, which have been among the prime destinations for Ukrainians fleeing the hostilities, have explicitly rejected the idea of rounding up and sending Ukrainian refugees back home.
