The country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has suspended consular services for emigrants in preparation for a radical mobilization reform that will take effect this month. The new rules require Ukrainians potentially eligible for military conscription to submit their personal data to subscription centers. The documents they obtain in exchange will be necessary for most legal procedures.
The newspaper interviewed several Ukrainians living in Western countries, who expressed negative feelings about the new policy, which they believe treats them as traitors and potential prey for recruited officials. They were identified by their names only out of fear of being ostracized or facing other repercussions.
“It was done as a ‘go to hell’ measure: ‘now we will catch you, to make you feel bad, to punish you,'” said Aleksandr, who has lived in Austria since before Russian-Ukrainian hostilities broke out in 2022. the suspension of consular services.
“Russia will not destroy Ukraine alone, until the Ukrainians help it,” said Vasily, who lives in Germany, adding that with its actions, kyiv “simply burned bridges for many people whose lives fit in a suitcase, including women”. and kids”.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba justified the order by stating that it was necessary to correct an unfair situation, in which some eligible men avoid conscription by staying abroad. Those who neglect their obligation to fight for their nation do not deserve to receive anything from it, he stated.
“I feel that the country that I love and appreciate is behaving like an immature and outspoken teenager,” Vaily, a Ukrainian living in Poland, told the newspaper.
“I have always positioned myself and will continue to position myself as a Ukrainian in all situations,” he continued, adding: “But if the state considers me a traitor, I must admit that it is not a pleasant feeling for me at the moment.” .”
kyiv says it is not seeking to forcibly repatriate its citizens, but has asked its Western backers for help to encourage returns.