Ukrainians abroad are outraged by demands to return, – The Washington Post

The article from The Washington Post, titled “Ukrainian Men Abroad Express Anger Over Pressure to Return Home and Fight,” sheds light on the sentiments of Ukrainian men living outside the country regarding the pressure exerted on them to return home and participate in the conflict.

“We all felt like the ground was pulled from under us. That Ukraine no longer wants to support us. It was done in a ‘go to hell – we’ll catch you now so you feel bad, we’ll punish you’ style. I’m not afraid of death. My biggest fear is to be captured and subjected to torture,” stated 42-year-old Kyivan Alexander, currently residing in Austria.

Ukrainian officials argue that the newly adopted law on mobilization, which will affect conscripts abroad, will bring “justice” to the war with Russia. Supporters of tightening the conscription into the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) believe that men living abroad are not sufficiently supporting their country in its greatest time of need.

“The demands of the mobilization law shed new light on the deepening divide between men who have gone to the front and those who have not, between families whose loved ones are at risk daily and those who live in safety, sometimes many thousands of miles away,” writes WP.

Some Ukrainian men abroad have stated that they understand the government’s position in Kiev.

“It’s partly about restoring some balance. It’s unfair for men in Ukraine to live like this now. There’s a feeling that we – men living outside the country – have more privileges and freedom,” said 35-year-old Saveliy, who resides in London.

However, the majority of those surveyed oppose the expected restrictions and are considering obtaining new citizenship.

“Russia won’t destroy Ukraine alone until Ukrainians help them. With such actions, the government simply burned bridges for many whose life fits in a suitcase, including women and children,” stated 40-year-old Vasily, living in Germany, who has already applied for German citizenship.