Ukraine’s state border guard service stated that the country has banned males between the ages of 18- 60 from leaving the country following an invasion from Russia. The restriction will last for the duration of martial law, which was imposed by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday morning after Russia attacked Ukraine.
“The State Border Guard Service of Ukraine reports that due to the imposition of martial law in Ukraine, a certain category of citizens is temporarily restricted from leaving Ukraine,” the country’s interior ministry also announced at midnight via Telegram.
In a declaration on Thursday, Zelensky said that “in order to ensure the defense of the state, maintaining combat and mobilization readiness of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and other military formations”. A broad-based mobilization was ordered, including in the capital, Kyiv, and all Ukraine’s major cities.
What is Martial law?
Martial law implies that military authorities and soldiers, not civilian leaders, are in charge of determining and executing the nation’s laws. Anyone caught violating martial law could face military tribunals. The statement said that following the introduction of martial law in Ukraine, there will be a temporary restriction.
“In particular, male citizens of Ukraine aged 18 to 60 are prohibited from leaving Ukraine. This rule will apply for the period of martial law. We ask citizens to take this information into account,” he said.
The Russian army has lost about 800 soldiers
Amid Russian missile strikes and military actions across Ukraine, Zelenskyy enforced the measures. The president has requested Ukrainian citizens who want to fight to come forward; promising that everyone who wants weapons will get them. Desperate needs call for desperate measures. In this time of major crisis, the country’s defense minister, Oleksiy Reznikov, has called on anyone with a Ukrainian passport to enlist in the army.
“The enemy is attacking, but our army is indestructible,” Reznikov said. “Ukraine is moving into all-out defense mode.”
The Ukrainian Ministry of Defence further claimed that Russia had lost about 800 soldiers. “Our fighters persevered yesterday and made it clear to the enemy how Ukrainian led tastes,” the interior ministry declared.
“For the last eight years, our military has been fighting for the future of all the Ukrainian people. Today is the moment when every Ukrainian who can protect his home must take up arms. Not just to help our soldiers, but to cleanse Ukraine of the enemy once and for all.”
