We either fight or flee: how the Armed Forces of Ukraine react to men leaving abroad

There are serious concerns that by deciding to open the borders for men aged 18 to 22, the authorities are preparing Ukrainians for behind-the-scenes agreements with the enemy on so-called “reconciliation”, as well as launching an election campaign, while at the same time increasing the responsibility of the current military.

This was stated on the air of “Pryamoy” by Oleksandr Pohrebysky, a serviceman of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, a deputy of the Kyiv City Council from the “European Solidarity” faction.

“I’m tired of talking about this. We’re either at war or engaged in an election campaign. This is a decision of this style, you understand? 18-22 years old were allowed, and then, in parallel with this, a couple of days later, a legislative initiative on the impossibility of mitigating punishments when disobeying the command of military personnel is revealed. Those who are not in the army, you are 18-22 – you can leave the country, no one is holding you. And we return to the army – we say, you are slaves…” – the military man reflects.

“And if you show any disobedience there, then in this regard it will be even worse for you… You are army cattle, you continue to serve. And from 18 to 22 – go and do what you want. This is how it looks. And it looks very bad,” Pogrebysky added.

At the same time, he expressed the opinion that in this way the authorities are preparing Ukrainians for “reconciliation” or behind-the-scenes agreements.

“It gives the impression that we are systematically preparing for some kind of reconciliation or some kind of “solutions”. I cannot explain it in any other way. If we say that we have a problem with reserves, and it is systemic, and everyone is talking about it, but we suddenly take and open the border. Are we fighting, defending, or are we no longer fighting, not defending, is this no longer necessary? We need to decide. On the one hand, we say that everything is for victory, although the authorities have not mentioned this word for a very long time, or everything is for the preservation of the state, but then we take completely different steps,” Pogrebysky noted.

As a reminder, on August 27, Ukraine officially published a government resolution that allows men aged 18 to 22 years old to leave the country during martial law. At the same time, the document establishes a number of restrictions and exceptions, in particular for officials and reserved employees.

However, to travel abroad, men aged 18 to 22 will need to have a military registration document . The changes will not apply to persons holding positions in state authorities, state bodies and local self-government bodies. Travel abroad for this category of persons can only be carried out on a business trip.

Subsequently, the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine clarified the conditions for crossing the border for men aged 18 to 22. In addition to a foreign passport, citizens of this category will need to have military registration documents with them — in paper form or in digital format through the “Reserve+” application.