Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine Olga Stefanyshina in an interview with Deutsche Welle stated , that Ukraine will not forcibly return men of legal age from abroad.
According to her, the provision of data to the Territorial Recruitment Centers (TCC) does not mean automatic mobilization at the front. "Ukraine passed a law on mobilization and we need to find out how much we can replace the guys at the front. We are talking about mobilization potential - reporting and informational. And that is the main purpose of our decision," she said.
Stefanyshina said that EU Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration Ylva Johansson will visit Ukraine in May to discuss with Ukrainian authorities the issue of the further legal status of Ukrainians abroad. The current mechanism for temporary protection of Ukrainians in the EU is valid until March 2025.
"Therefore, there will be no restrictions or forced return of Ukrainian citizens of any gender and age to a country under martial law. But there are no pleasant solutions to the war, and let's not forget that the war continues and we must win it," she said.
On April 23, consular services for Ukrainian men of military age abroad were temporarily suspended.
According to the new law on mobilization, Ukrainians abroad will be able to receive consular services only if they have a military card and updated data in the TCC (military registration and entry services). But the law is due to come into effect on May 18, and the issuance of documents has already been suspended.