Defence Ministry explains minister's remarks on mobilisation of Ukrainians abroad: it's an invitation to join the army, no sanctions

The Ministry of Defence has clarified that Defence Minister Rustem Umierov is calling on all Ukrainians to join the Armed Forces, but that there is no question of a mechanism for penalising men living outside Ukraine or exerting legal pressure on them.

Source: Ilarion Pavliuk, Head of the Press and Information Department of the Ministry of Defence, in a comment to Interfax-Ukraine

Quote: "The Minister is calling on all Ukrainian citizens to join the Armed Forces, wherever they are. The fact that you have not received a call-up notice does not mean that the threat to Ukraine has disappeared.

Does this apply to Ukrainians who are abroad? Absolutely. Defending the country in time of war is a constitutional duty of all citizens. If we are talking about a mechanism of punishment or legal pressure on those outside Ukraine, that is not currently on the agenda."

Details: Pavliuk said that "there was a shift of emphasis" in Umierov's published interview, and that Umierov meant there is a need to convey to Ukrainians abroad how important it is for them to join the army.

The Ministry of Defence stated that there are more than enough challenges related to recruitment, improving the mobilisation mechanism, improving the training system and so on.

Quote: "However, to reiterate an important point: a call-up notice is only a notification to a citizen that the state needs him or her for defence. From this point of view, it is strange to wait for a personal invitation at the end of the second year of a full-scale invasion. Have you heard about the war in Ukraine? Consider yourself invited. Go now. Go, just like all those who queued at military enlistment offices in February 2022."

Background: Welt, citing Defence Minister Rustem Umierov’s interview with Welt TV, Bild and Politico, had reported that Ukrainian men aged 25-60 living in Germany and other countries should report to Armed Forces enlistment centres next year or face sanctions.

Support UP or become our patron!