Ukraine has announced its policy to conscript Ukrainian men currently residing abroad starting next year.
A Ukrainian soldier is shelling Russian forces near Bakhmut, Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine. [Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]
On the 21st (local time), Rustem Umerov, Ukraine's Minister of Defense, stated in an interview with German media that next year, Ukrainian men aged 25 to 60 residing in Europe and other regions will be requested to report to Ukrainian military recruitment offices. He said that those who do not comply with the request will be punished and added, "We are discussing what to do if they do not come voluntarily."
Ukraine plans to mobilize an additional 450,000 to 500,000 troops in preparation for a prolonged war. Minister Umerov emphasized, "Fairness is important when mobilizing troops," and said, "In the future, those subject to mobilization will be informed in advance about how they will be trained, armed, when they will be mobilized, and when they will be discharged."
Immediately after the outbreak of the war, Ukrainian authorities issued a general mobilization order banning adult men from leaving the country, but some Ukrainian men have violated this and relocated abroad.
According to Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union (EU), 650,000 Ukrainian men of conscription age are residing in EU member states, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, and Norway.
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