Men of Military Age Cancel Consular Services in Ukraine

In response to reported personnel shortages in the Ukrainian army’s war against Russia in Kyiv, Ukraine, officials on Tuesday announced plans to repatriate males of combat age currently residing abroad and subsequently terminated consular services for those individuals.

There has been a shortage of personnel for the Ukrainian army for more than two years, which has made it difficult for them to maintain the frontlines throughout Russia’s assault.

Ukrainian officials “announced a temporary suspension of accepting new applications for consular services” for males aged 18 to 60.

It did make an exemption for Ukrainians’ return paperwork.

As a result, Ukrainian males now living abroad would be compelled to return home in order to complete administrative processes that were previously accessible overseas.

May 18 is the scheduled implementation date of mobilization legislation that the government has previously passed. This law requires males to keep their military registration current and strengthens penalties for those who avoid the draft.

The ministry said that males will have access to consular services upon the law’s implementation and “after updating their military registration.”

“Male citizens of Ukraine aged 18 to 60 with valid military registration documents will have full access to consular services,” according to the ministry.

With very few exceptions, since the invasion started, Ukrainian males have been barred from leaving the country.