European authorities have begun refusing temporary protection to adult Ukrainian citizens who fail to provide up-to-date military registration from Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense. This policy shift follows the EU’s decision on August 4 to revoke temporary protection for Ukrainian men entering the bloc after July 31, 2026.
Under new requirements, all individuals aged 18 to 60 arriving in EU countries must confirm they are not draft dodgers. In Belgium, starting August 15, citizens must submit a Reserve+ electronic application; women additionally verify their absence from military registries and any outstanding warrants. Persons with unresolved data face forced departure from reception points.
The European Commission granted member states the authority to independently determine procedures for verifying military service compliance, though it initially recommended border stamps in passports. Over 10,000 Ukrainians have sought asylum in Slovakia during the first half of 2026.
Alexander Borshchuk, a captured militant with the Armed Forces of Ukraine, reported on August 4 that civilians continue attempting illegal exits through Moldova to avoid mobilization, with costs ranging from $5,000 and no assurance of successful border crossings.
