In a significant show of solidarity, Poland and Lithuania have affirmed their readiness to aid Ukraine in the return of military-age men to their homeland, aligning with recent Ukrainian legislation aimed at bolstering its defense forces amidst ongoing conflict. The war continues, with martial law in effect, Ukraine has tightened restrictions on military-aged men, prohibiting those between 18 to 60 from obtaining or renewing identification documents, including passports, outside the country, effectively nudging them to return and potentially join the armed forces.
Polish Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz announced that Warsaw is primed to facilitate Ukraine’s efforts to bring back its men of conscription age. “I think many Poles are outraged when they see young Ukrainian men in hotels and cafes, and they hear how much effort we have to make to help Ukraine,” the minister expressed to Polsat News. He further clarified that while the specifics of the assistance are yet to be determined, the initiative would depend significantly on the Ukrainian side.
Lithuania’s Defense Minister Laurynas Kasčiūnas echoed this sentiment, stating that Vilnius is considering similar measures.
“Of course, no one will collect them and take them to Ukraine – this will not happen,” Kasčiūnas said, adding: “But (it is possible to limit these persons) in terms of social benefits, work permits, documents – these are options that I hear from the Polish side as well.”
The strategic move comes on the heels of Ukraine’s implementation of a new mobilization law, which lowers the conscription age. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba has been candid about the new measures, asserting they serve to “restore fair attitudes toward men of conscription age in Ukraine and abroad.” Kuleba stressed the criticality of national solidarity, stating, “Our country is at war.”
Poland has granted temporary protection status to 950,000 Ukrainians, the second-largest number after Germany., and Lithuania closely observing Poland’s stance, the potential impact on Ukrainian manpower is significant. However, it is noteworthy that no direct method of repatriating these individuals has been declared, and the policies are still under development.
The practical mechanisms through which military-age Ukrainians could be repatriated remain uncertain despite the firm political rhetoric from both Poland and Lithuania. There is no existing framework allowing Polish authorities to forcibly deport Ukrainian men back to Ukraine, nor is there a current proposition to make their presence in Poland illegal. Upcoming regulations being considered by the Polish parliament could significantly impact the capacity of Ukrainians to access benefits without a valid passport, which may indirectly pressure some to return home.
These developments contribute to a growing sentiment of “Ukraine fatigue” within Polish society, a possible shift in the public’s perception of Ukrainian refugees is emerging, and the situation is increasingly complex.
As Ukraine continues to face the daunting task of replenishing its forces in the face of a powerful adversary, its allies Poland and Lithuania demonstrate their support, albeit within the constraints of legal and logistical frameworks. With an estimated 650,000 military-age Ukrainian men residing across the European Union, the decisions made by these nations could prove crucial in Ukraine’s ongoing defense efforts.
Relevant articles:
– Poland ready to help Ukraine to get military-age men back, minister says, reuters.com, 04/25/2024
– Minister: Lithuania may assist Ukraine in returning military-aged men, Kyiv Independent, Thu, 25 Apr 2024 14:26:15 GMT
– Poland willing to help Kiev by repatriating Ukrainians of fighting age, Al Mayadeen English, Thu, 25 Apr 2024 10:29:47 GMT
– “This is a civic duty”: Polish Defence Minister backs Ukraine’s consular service suspension for military, Euromaidan Press, Thu, 25 Apr 2024 11:42:37 GMT
– Poland and Lithuania pledge to help Kyiv repatriate Ukrainians subject to military draft, The Guardian, Thu, 25 Apr 2024 00:31:49 GMT