Defense Minister Rustem Umierov explained his words regarding mobilising Ukrainian men of the conscription age who went abroad.
Mobilisation of Ukrainian men living abroad
I spoke there about the request for justice. And in this regard, he said that there are categories of people that we are considering for conscription, for example, the category from 25 to 60 years. I don't know how these words were presented.
The journalist noted that the German mass media wrote that the Ministry of Defense is looking for ways to return Ukrainian men who left so that they fulfil their civic duty.
If we decide on the categories, we will send invitations to everyone, Umierov answered.
The mobilised men living abroad will be offered options
When asked about the number of Ukrainian men of military age who left abroad after the start of the full-scale invasion and did not return, Umierov replied that they had consolidated all databases in the last month and a half.
First, we simply encourage these people to register. Secondly, after registration, we offer them various options — recruiting, where you can choose a specialty. The focus is not on how to punish a person, but how to provide opportunities so that all security issues are removed from the serviceman. This is our goal. Which categories of restrictions will be introduced are already collective decisions, and whether the Verkhovna Rada passes it or not will depend on the vote.
In response to the journalist's clarification that there is already responsibility for evading mobilisation, Umierov said:
We will develop the rules of the game, which will give clear answers for those who cannot, will not take part in defending their country.
