Forced return of refugees to Ukraine — the Foreign Ministry

Ukraine did not offer EU countries to stop supporting refugees. Men of military age have access to consular services.

This was reported by the spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine (MFA) Heorhiy Tykhyi via the social network X on Tuesday, December 24.

Will not be returned by force

Tykhyi commented on an article of the publication El País, which claimed that Ukraine had allegedly called on the European Union to stop supporting refugees.

"Some statements in this article are incorrect. The Ukrainian government is not asking for a reduction in assistance," the message says.

The MFA spokesman also responded to information in the publication about a new restriction on consular services for men of draft age, noting that diplomatic institutions continue to serve those liable for military service.

"Men of draft age have access to consular services," Tykhyi emphasized.

He added that the Ukrainian authorities have no intention of creating obstacles for their citizens and returning refugees, almost by force.

"The goal is to create positive motivation, not obstacles, to stimulate the voluntary return of our citizens," the MFA representative concluded.

El País publication reported that Ukraine is offering that the EU countries should stop supporting refugees and also limit consular services for men of draft age. Thus, the government allegedly seeks to return about 1 million of its citizens from abroad.

Previously, we wrote that the Slovak government may adopt changes to immigration legislation. Thus, assistance to Ukrainian refugees will be reduced.