The Ukrainian Defense Ministry has issued a call to arms for Ukrainian men living abroad, urging them to return home and serve as soldiers in defense of their country against the ongoing Russian assault.
This appeal comes nearly two years into the conflict that has seen tens of thousands of Ukrainians seeking refuge in foreign lands, including Germany, where hundreds of thousands have been registered as war refugees.
Ukrainian law currently prohibits men aged 18 to 60, who are eligible for military service, from leaving the country. However, despite these restrictions, many have managed to find refuge abroad.
The situation has led to a complex scenario where the Ukrainian government is now seeking the support of its diaspora to bolster its defense efforts.
In December, German Justice Minister Marco Buschmann remarked that Ukraine’s challenges in mobilizing soldiers would not have practical consequences for Ukrainians residing in Germany.
This statement highlights the unique position of Ukrainian expatriates, torn between their new lives abroad and the call of duty from their homeland.
As the conflict with Russia persists, Ukraine’s call to its overseas citizens underscores the nation’s dire need for support in these tumultuous times.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) recently described the humanitarian situation in Ukraine as extremely critical, warning of a slowdown in aid nearly two years into the Ukrainian crisis.
Filippo Grandi, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, stated that “aerial bombings are a daily occurrence, especially in frontline areas and cities, bringing destruction primarily affecting civilians, leading to a significant number of people becoming homeless and displaced.”
