- March 21, 2025
- 1:52 pm
- Ukraine
The Ambassador of Israel to Ukraine, Michaël Brodsky, on March 20, 2025, again urged Israeli citizens with Ukrainian citizenship to approach trips to Ukraine cautiously, as strict restrictions on departure due to mobilization are in place.
“I recommend all Israelis with Ukrainian citizenship to carefully consider the advisability of visiting Ukraine during wartime,” — stated the Ambassador of Israel to Ukraine Michaël Brodsky.
At a meeting with the head of the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Vladyslav Kanevskyi, issues related to the stay of Israeli citizens in Ukraine and Ukrainian citizens in Israel were discussed. Specifically, the situation where Israeli citizens of draft age (18-60 years) with dual citizenship (Israel and Ukraine), who entered Ukraine after February 24, 2022, are unable to leave the country. This primarily concerns those who reside permanently in Israel and entered Ukraine for personal/family reasons.
“I recommend once again that all Israelis with Ukrainian citizenship carefully consider the advisability of visiting Ukraine during wartime. In the case of the detention of a dual citizen, the Embassy will not be able to assist with their departure,”
Problems with Departure from Ukraine
The embassy’s statement emphasizes that men aged 18 to 60, who hold dual citizenship — Israel and Ukraine, cannot leave Ukraine due to the existing mobilization law. This is leading to an increasing number of Israelis being “stranded” in the country.
“We receive daily inquiries from Israelis stranded in Ukraine, but we are unable to assist them in leaving,” — noted Michaël Brodsky.
Detentions and Embassy Assistance
The Ambassador of Israel emphasized that in the event of the detention of dual citizens, the embassy cannot assist in the issue of departure.
“In the event of the detention of a dual citizen, the embassy will not be able to assist in the issue of departure,” — added Brodsky.
Recommendations for Citizens with Dual Citizenship
- It is not recommended to travel to Ukraine. This applies to men of draft age who may be detained for mobilization.
- Be prepared for detentions. If you are already in Ukraine, check the situation with the embassy to avoid complications.
“Once again, I recommend all Israelis with Ukrainian citizenship to carefully consider the advisability of visiting Ukraine during wartime,” — emphasized the Ambassador.
Situation with Ukrainian Citizenship
НАновини – news from Israel emphasizes that the situation for Israeli citizens with Ukrainian citizenship remains difficult, and an important aspect is the responsibility for deciding whether to travel to Ukraine under mobilization conditions.
Since 2022, against the backdrop of Russia’s full-scale invasion, under wartime conditions, Ukraine has enacted laws that require citizens, particularly men aged 18 to 60, to serve in the military if they are part of the mobilization reserve. This includes Ukrainian citizens who may be called to participate in defensive actions.
Why Israelis Cannot Leave Ukraine
- Mobilization Law: One of the key factors that complicates leaving Ukraine is the existing mobilization law, which requires men aged 18 to 60, holding Ukrainian citizenship, to stay in the country for possible military service. These citizens cannot leave the country without special permission, as Ukraine requires that such men remain at the army’s disposal.
- Dual Citizenship: The problem especially concerns Israeli citizens who also hold Ukrainian citizenship. The mobilization law applies to all Ukrainian citizens, including those who have another citizenship, such as Israeli. This means that if an Israeli citizen with a Ukrainian passport enters Ukraine, they may be drafted and unable to leave the country, as Ukrainian laws prohibit the departure of those subject to mobilization.
- Detentions When Attempting to Leave: If such citizens attempt to leave Ukraine, they may be detained at the border and required to return or serve in the military. This results in embassies, including Israel’s, being unable to assist such citizens with their departure from the country.
Why It Is Important to Consider This Warning
In the ongoing war in Ukraine and the legislation requiring citizens to serve in the military, it is important for Israelis with Ukrainian citizenship, especially men of draft age, to carefully consider the advisability of visiting Ukraine. The inability to leave the country could lead to serious legal and personal consequences for such citizens.
These difficulties also complicate the work of the embassy, which is facing an increasing number of inquiries from Israelis who are stranded in Ukraine and unable to return home.
Therefore, it is important to closely follow official recommendations to avoid risks related to breaking Ukrainian laws and being unable to return to Israel.
