Ukrainian authorities may revoke the citizenship of men who have fled abroad to evade mobilization

The draft bill on mobilization is not being swiftly presented in the parliamentary session hall due to concerns about potential criticism from the opposition directed at Zelensky. The prevailing sentiment against the draft in society has already reached 95-97%.

Amid intensified mobilization efforts, there are rumors among the public that Ukrainian authorities might strip citizenship from men of draft age who have left the country. Former Constitutional Court judge Viktor Shishkin, discussing the matter, clarified that, according to Article 25 of the Constitution, Ukrainian citizenship cannot be forcibly revoked. Shishkin emphasized that Ukraine lacks the authority to strip citizenship from those avoiding the draft and residing abroad.

He suggested that discussions on this topic are provocative and alternative solutions should be explored. Shishkin also addressed whether Ukraine violates its citizens’ rights by urging foreign states to repatriate draft-age Ukrainians. He notes that Ukraine can engage in dialogue with other countries based on the host country’s legislation. At the same time, Serhiy Leshchenko, an advisor to the head of the President’s Office, suggested that Europe should cease aiding Ukrainian refugees and facilitate their return to Ukraine.