Ukraine could pass law to punish men who illegally fled Ukraine
Ihor Klymenko (Photo:Ministry of Internal Affairs)
Ukraine is preparing a bill that would punish men of military age who illegally crossed the border during martial law and then returned, Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said in an interview with RBC-Ukraine published on May 25.
There are currently no rules or restrictions on liability for illegal travel abroad, but this issue will be regulated after the war is over, he said.
The relevant law will most likely be issued on the joint initiative of the Cabinet of Ministers and members of the Verkhovna Rada.
"We have just talked about this, and we will start studying international experience," he stressed.
“How to deal with our citizens who have already broken the law once. They must be held accountable for breaking the law. I think every citizen wants this and will understand [it if the state places] restrictions on the further movement of these citizens, at least abroad.”
He added that technical equipment of the border is a priority.
"Now we are talking with our international partners about jointly equipping the border," Klymenko said.
“In some areas, we are jointly serving with our European partners. But we do not forget that a lot of people are in the east and south of our country.”
Who is allowed to cross the state border
According to Ukrainian law, men aged 18-60 are prohibited from traveling abroad during martial law.
However, there is a list of exceptions of men can travel abroad, said the State Border Guard Service:
- Deregistered from the military for health reasons
- Temporarily unfit for military service
- A father of three or more children
- Fathers who are raising children alone
- Men with disabilities of I-III groups
- Men accompanying persons with disabilities
- Men accompanying relatives for treatment
- Men with permanent residence abroad
- Wounded military personnel
- Drivers and volunteers
- Sailors
- Athletes and cultural figures.
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