As the war with Russia enters its fourth year, the lack of manpower remains a key issue for the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The Ministry of Culture in Ukraine announced that the travel permits for male journalists and artists of military age will be temporarily suspended.

The Kiev government is struggling to find manpower to fight against Russia.

The Ministry of Culture in Ukraine stated that the travel permits for male journalists and cultural professionals of military age will be temporarily suspended until the legislation is reviewed. The Ministry explained that the measure, which will come into effect on March 3, was taken in response to cases where men stayed abroad longer than permitted without the necessary permission. In Ukraine, men aged between 18-60 have not been allowed to travel abroad without special permission under the martial law that was imposed in 2022 when the war broke out.

Journalists and cultural workers, however, are permitted to travel abroad temporarily for professional purposes as long as they have the required documents and permits. It was reported that throughout the war, this rule has been violated multiple times with individuals staying abroad beyond the permitted time or indefinitely. Therefore, the Ministry of Culture presented a draft of changes to regulate the conditions for granting permission. The Ministry stated that the suspension will remain in effect until “legally resolving this issue.” The lack of manpower is defined as a key issue for the Ukrainian Armed Forces as the war with Russia enters its fourth year.

The crisis deepens as thousands of individuals of military age attempt to cross the border illegally to avoid conscription, exacerbating the situation.