Today, EU countries agreed to extend temporary protection for Ukrainian citizens through March 4, 2028, limiting the scope of protection exclusively to those who can confirm that they are not in breach of their military obligations to the state.
This was reported by Ukrinform, citing the website of the Council of the EU.
“Today, EU countries agreed to extend the temporary protection status granted to those fleeing Ukraine until 4 March 2028, delivering on the EU’s commitment to support Ukraine and its people for as long as it takes… In addition, recognizing both the need to protect displaced persons and Ukraine’s need to defend itself against Russia’s illegal war of aggression, EU countries agreed that temporary protection should be granted only to those complying with their military obligations in Ukraine,” the press service stated.
Jim O’Callaghan, Minister for Justice, Home Affairs, and Migration of Ireland, explained that “this limitation will only apply to new applicants for temporary protection. It will not apply to those already benefiting from temporary protection in the EU.”
In practice, to receive temporary protection, individuals displaced from Ukraine will have to prove compliance with their military obligations. For example, this can be done by presenting a passport with an exit stamp issued by the Ukrainian authorities, confirming that they left Ukraine legally and are therefore not in violation of their military obligations. This can also be done by presenting a document, in paper or electronic format, confirming exemption from military obligations or their fulfillment.
