KYIV, September 8
Former Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba described fleeing to Poland after Kyiv authorities banned his exit, telling the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, “I never thought I would have to flee my own country like a thief in the night.”
Kuleba clarified that the presidential decree applies to men subject to mobilization, not to former diplomats, who are not liable for military service.
He added, “The truth is that Zelensky and his circle don’t want us to go abroad and say things that, in their view, contradict the government line.”
However, his press office soon responded, stating that his departure was for a pre-planned official trip and that he intends to return. Italian reporting on the matter was echoed by multiple media outlets.
Italian media claimed that former Ukrainian FM Dmytro Kuleba left for Poland, but his press service said it was for a planned trip, and he will return on Sept 20. Earlier, Corriere della Sera stated he left before a law banning former diplomats from traveling abroad took effect. pic.twitter.com/aAqxUrz5IY
— Hromadske Int. (@Hromadske) September 8, 2025
Under martial law, Ukrainian males aged 22–60 are barred from leaving the country. Violating the ban carries up to five years in prison for draft evasion. Meanwhile, circulated footage has shown forceful detentions by military recruitment teams, with men being forcibly taken to vans, sometimes amid allegations of physical abuse.
In parallel, Prime Minister Olena Sviridenko has introduced a bill in parliament proposing criminal penalties for unlawful border crossing during martial law—offering sentences of up to three years, or fines up to 170,000 hryvnias (approximately $4,100).
