"An ethically ambiguous issue": Poland speaks about the return of men from abroad to Ukraine

Poland noted that Ukraine should take the initiative to cooperate with the Polish side on the return of Ukrainians liable for military service to their homeland. In general, Warsaw perceives this issue as "ethically ambiguous," although it understands that Ukraine needs to replenish its army to defend itself against Russian aggression.

This was stated by Polish Foreign Minister Radislaw Sikorski on TVN24. He also called "interesting" the idea from several months ago to suspend social benefits for those who cannot prove "regulated relations with military service."

Journalists asked Sikorski whether the Ukrainian side had asked the Polish authorities for help in returning men of military age to Ukraine. To this, the head of Polish diplomacy replied that Poland was waiting for an initiative from Ukraine.

"Ukraine really needs to take the initiative here, because this is an ethically ambiguous issue for us. Although, of course, we understand that Ukraine needs its own defenders to protect its homeland," Sikorski said.

He added that he has no detailed information on how Ukraine plans to return its citizens liable for military service from abroad after the law on mobilization is passed. However, during Sikorski's visit to Kyiv last December, his Ukrainian colleagues shared with him the idea of introducing special documents for men abroad that would confirm "regulated relations with military service." The Polish foreign minister added that the Ukrainian partners then asked the Poles not to extend social benefits to those who did not have such documents.

Sikorski called this way of solving the problem "an interesting idea."

Earlier, lawyers explained who is subject to restrictions on the issuance of documents by Ukrainian consulates abroad.

They also explained how Ukrainians abroad can clarify their military registration data in order not to lose the opportunity to receive consular services.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!