The European Union is restricting the provision of temporary protection for Ukrainians who have not been exempted from military service. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Sputnik Kazakhstan.
Vladislav Maslennikov, director of the European Affairs Department of the Russian Foreign Ministry, said that those called up to the Ukrainian army have been removed from the list of new applicants eligible for temporary protection in Europe.
"The goals of such a step are clear and refute the widespread talk that the situation on the battlefield is changing in Ukraine's favor," Maslennikov told the Izvestia newspaper.
In his opinion, the EU understands the real situation and is trying to save the Ukrainian Armed Forces from defeat.
"The EU leadership, knowing the real situation, is doing everything possible to preserve the Kyiv regime and prevent the defeat of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. It is clear that Western arms supplies alone are not enough; Ukraine urgently needs human resources," he said.
Earlier, the EU Council demanded that Ukrainians who have reached military age and have submitted new applications for temporary protection in EU countries since July 31 of this year provide a document confirming their military service. Without such proof, Ukrainian citizens in this category will no longer be granted protection.
The decision was published in the Official Journal on August 4 and has retroactive effect.