Ukraine has established the procedure for military-obligated artists and journalists to travel abroad

The Ukrainian Government sets rules for the overseas travel of military-age artists and journalists.

Ukrainian media, citing Deputy Minister of Culture Andriy Nadzhos, have reported on the new regulations.

Key Changes:

• Applications and documents must be submitted at least 15 days before departure.
• The stay abroad must not exceed 60 days.
• Mandatory documents: an invitation, a military registration document, and for journalists—a press assignment and an official travel order.
• Applications will first be reviewed by relevant institutions (State Film Agency, State Television and Radio Broadcasting Committee, etc.), after which the documents will be forwarded to the Ministry of Culture.
• The exit approval letter will be signed only by the Minister of Culture or an acting official.

Previously, the departure of artists and journalists under the Ministry of Culture’s jurisdiction was suspended due to a high number of non-returnees. In 2024 alone, more than 500 artists and journalists of conscription age who were granted permission by the Ministry of Culture did not return to Ukraine.

For example, three lead artists from the Lviv Opera failed to return after foreign tours.

Additionally, it was reported today that members of the national selection for Eurovision from the Poltava pop group MBreeze—Oleksandr and Illya Belyakov, as well as Vasyl Demchuk (DEMCHUK)—traveled abroad and did not return.