Ukraine has announced new restrictions on passport renewals for men aged 18 to 60 who are deemed fit for military service. This measure is aimed at preventing potential soldiers from leaving the country as millions of Ukrainians have fled since Russia’s invasion in 2022, mostly to neighboring European countries. With ongoing efforts to secure much-needed weapons and ammunition from a massive U.S. aid package, Ukraine is also looking to bolster its troop numbers by limiting passport renewals for men of conscription age. The European Union’s statistics agency reports that 4.3 million Ukrainians are currently living in EU countries, with 860,000 of them men over 18 years old.
The defense minister of Poland, which has a significant Ukrainian diaspora, has expressed readiness to help ensure that those subject to compulsory military service go to Ukraine. However, Ukrainian opposition lawmaker Ivanna Klympush-Tsyntsadze warned that denying military-age men access to consular services could result in legal challenges at the European Court of Human Rights. With Russia boasting a much larger population and army than Ukraine, the country has lowered the conscription age in an effort to strengthen its military forces. The U.S. has approved $61 billion in new military aid for Ukraine, providing vital support in the ongoing conflict with Russia.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has emphasized the urgency of getting these supplies to the front lines quickly, as Ukrainian forces have faced shortages of artillery ammunition and air defense missiles. Despite ongoing difficulties, Ukraine’s general staff has noted that the situation on the front remains challenging. Recent incidents, such as injuries and damage caused by a high-speed target in the Cherkasy region of central Ukraine, highlight the ongoing threats faced by the country. The Ukrainian Air Force has issued warnings about unidentified high-speed aerial objects flying towards the region, underscoring the need for increased defense measures.
During a visit to Kyiv, Britain’s Treasury chief called on all NATO countries to boost defense spending to 2.5% of GDP to support Ukraine and put pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin. The U.K. has committed to maintaining its current level of military support for Ukraine and plans to increase its defense budget to 2.5% of GDP by 2030. Additionally, the U.K. has announced new aid for Ukraine, including ammunition, vehicles, boats, and strike and air defense missiles. As the conflict in Ukraine continues, international support and collaboration are crucial in assisting the country in its efforts to defend against Russian aggression and protect its sovereignty.
