Lithuania may refuse residence permit to Ukrainian men
Lithuanian Prime Minister Ingrida Šimonytė (Getty Images)
Lithuania may deny residency permits to Ukrainian men. In particular, if Kyiv proves they are dodging military service, according to the Prime Minister of Lithuania Ingrida Šimonytė.
"We will not arrange deportations, nor look for Ukrainian men in the country, because this would not be legal," she said.
Šimonytė added that the EU had guaranteed them protection until March 2025.
However, those whom Kyiv proves to be evading military service may be denied permanent residency, said Šimonytė.
"Lithuania is keen to help Ukraine, ensure that the country has the potential to renew its armed forces and lay to rest people who have been fighting for a long time," said the Prime Minister.
Mobilization in Ukraine
The new mobilization law will come into effect on May 18. After this, men aged 18 to 60 will have to provide their personal data to the military registration and enlistment office within two months (60 days).
In particular, Ukraine has stopped issuing foreign passports to men aged 18 to 60. Currently, such citizens must obtain documents in Ukraine.
The Polish authorities acknowledge that Ukraine can help conscripted men return home. The Polish Ministry of Defense does not rule out the possibility of deportation.
However, the Polish Ministry of Internal Affairs has promised to provide temporary protection to Ukrainians without passports. Warsaw stressed that it expects ideas from Ukraine on repatriating conscripts from abroad.
