As the ongoing Ukraine-Russia war continues to soar, the government authorities of Poland and Lithuania decided to help Ukraine by returning their men who were forced to join the military in the country.
The decision was recently announced by Ukraine in which they stated that ‘it would be suspending consular services for such men who are now seeking refuge abroad.’
Polish and Lithuanian authorities on Helping Ukraine
Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, the Defence Minister for Poland stated that ‘We have suggested for a long time that we can help the Ukrainian side ensure that people subject to [compulsory] military service go to Ukraine.’ However, he did not explain on what methods will be added to do this.
While Laurynas Kasčiūnas, the Defence Minister of Lithuania promised the media and the Ukrainian authorities that his country is also performing to do the same like Poland.
He stated on Thursday that ‘Ukraine is very short of mobilisation reserve … This is not fair to those citizens who are fighting for their country.’
Ukrainian Officials on this Decision
Dmytro Kuleba, the Foreign Minister Of Ukraine appreciated the decision taken by the Polish and Lithuanian authorities and stated that ‘it is unacceptable for the Ukrainian men outside the country to sit down in restaurants, while others are dying’. He highlighted the fact that the move was made to demonstrate justice to those soldiers and civilians who are struggling at the forefront of the country.
He further stated that ‘They don’t understand why the government is not trying to bring more people into the war effort.’
Igor Lisin, the Vice President for Foundation of Ukraine, which is an organization working with the Ukrainians in Poland stated that ‘while there were no official figures for how many men of military age were currently living outside the country, as a “very rough estimate” he believed about 300,000-400,000 were currently in Poland.’
Why Ukraine Is Facing Shortage of Soldiers?
Throughout the war, the conflict-stricken nation is still fighting to overcome its huge shortage of ammunition or weapons and soldiers in comparison with the Russian troops on the frontline of the war.
Recognizing the situation, the Ukrainian authorities took a decision and passed out a new law on mobilization which reduces the age of males for joining the army from 27 to 25.
On Wednesday, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry also stated that ‘it would be suspending consular services for men subject to the draft who are currently living abroad.’ Shortly after the announcement, there were widespread protests outside the consular offices and agencies in Poland and Lithuania.
It is believed that since the start of the war, many Ukrainian men have been reported to illegally cross the western border of Ukraine to enter Poland by paying bribes to do so. However, many Ukrainian men have spent their lives outside the country, some returned during the war to visit their families and some didn’t.
Many Ukrainian nationals left their nation via Russia as they considered it as their only way out.
Polish Authorities on the Deportation of the Ukrainians
Tadeusz Kołodziej, a lawyer of the Ocalenie Foundation which is a Polish NGO organization stated that ‘there was no mechanism by which Polish authorities could deport Ukrainian men to Ukraine, and no current plans to declare their presence in the country illegal.’
But the Polish government and the authorities are taking new rules and regulations from next week which would require every Ukrainian nationals to show a valid passport in order to enter the country.
While further Kołodziej further stated that ‘he draft text we have seen would cut around 80% of benefits for people without passports. If it will be impossible to get a passport, many of these people may ask for asylum.’
Kosiniak-Kamysz, the Defence Minister of Poland further discussed about this situation in which he stated that‘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.‘
