Poland ready to help Kyiv to bring military-age men back to Ukraine
Warsaw is ready to facilitate the return of military-age male Ukrainians currently living in Poland to fulfil their civic obligations at home, Reuters, Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz said on April 24.
"I think many Poles are outraged when they see young Ukrainian men in hotels and cafes, hearing about the extensive efforts we are putting in to support Ukraine," Kosiniak-Kamysz remarked. He further stated that Warsaw could offer "any support needed" if Kyiv formally requests assistance in facilitating these men’s return, especially as their right to remain in Poland could soon expire with their passports.
Current data from the Eurostat database shows that approximately 4.3 million Ukrainians are living across EU countries, including around 860,000 adult men. Of these, Poland has granted temporary protection to 950,000 Ukrainians, making it the second-largest host after Germany.
According to estimates from the Eurostat database, 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.
On April 24, 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.
Temporary suspension of consular services for Ukrainian men
On April 22, the newspaper ZN.UA reported that the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry had ordered all diplomatic missions to temporarily suspend services for men of military age, except for processing documents for their return to Ukraine.
Ukrainian Foreign Ministry Dmytro Kuleba confirmed this information on April 23. Later, the ministry issued a statement on the provision of consular services to men of military age, calling it a temporary step.
“After the new mobilization law comes into force on May 18, the process of accepting and considering applications for consular action will continue, taking into account new requirements arising from the provisions of the law,” the ministry wrote.
Furthermore, on April 24, the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Ukraine’s parliament announced plans to summon Foreign Ministry officials to discuss the legal foundation for these service restrictions.
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