Effective July 17th, Ukrainian border authorities have instituted a mandatory requirement for all male citizens aged 18 to 60 to present their military service documents when crossing the border. This regulation was confirmed by Andriy Demchenko, spokesperson for the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine.
"As of today, the presence of military service documents is a mandatory condition for all male citizens of Ukraine aged 18 to 60 when crossing the border," Demchenko stated. He emphasized that this requirement took effect at midnight.
Previously, the State Border Guard Service announced the expiration of the deadline set by Ukrainian law for citizens to register for military service or update their military records. Now, border guards are verifying military service documents for all male citizens of conscription age departing Ukraine.
Demchenko clarified that acceptable documents could be either in paper or electronic format. Failure to present valid military service documentation results in denial of departure from Ukraine.
Additionally, individuals listed in the Unified State Register of conscripts, reservists, and military service obligees as wanted by the National Police will also be refused exit from the country. In such cases, police officers will be summoned to handle the situation.
"I would like to remind separately about the category of men who are eligible to cross the border due to deferment from conscription or exemption from military service due to health reasons. Their military service documents must indicate the receipt of such deferment or exemption, or they must possess a certificate as specified in Appendix 6 of the Procedure for Drafting Citizens for Military Service during Mobilization, approved by the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine on May 16, 2024," Demchenko explained.
According to the spokesperson, since the implementation of this new regulation, there have been no significant incidents indicating a decrease in the number of border crossings or conflicts. While there have been refusals based on non-compliance with departure conditions, these cases have been minimal.
"Of course, there have been refusals to cross the border, but their number is insignificant - only a few dozen individuals either forgot to bring their military service documents or did not possess them at all. As of 7 AM today, the total number of refusals to cross the border due to non-compliance with departure conditions ranged from 170 to 200 individuals in previous days," he noted.
Demchenko concluded by stating that the categories of individuals permitted to exit Ukraine in accordance with the Rules for the Crossing of the State Border by Ukrainian Citizens have remained unchanged.
