On Friday, Minister of Education Dariusz Wieczorek announced that he would like to discuss the situation of Ukrainian students in Poland with the Ukrainian Ministry of Education and Science, as well as with the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. "We need to analyze this," he declared on TOK FM radio.
Wieczorek reports that approximately 50,000 Ukrainian students are currently enrolled in Polish universities. He noted that these students arrived in Poland with valid passports, student visas, and residence permits, which they renewed through regional authorities.
Meanwhile, on Wednesday, the Ukrainian government approved regulations stipulating that men aged 18–60 seeking to leave or already residing outside Ukraine can only obtain Ukrainian passports within the country.
Asked about the implications for Ukrainian students in Poland facing passport expiration, Wieczorek acknowledged the novelty of the situation. He stressed the need for scrutiny, stating, “We need to analyze this. At the moment, we don't see any particular threat.”
“We will probably have to discuss this matter with the Ukrainian Minister of Education and Science—how the Ukrainian government will approach the issue of students. Since they have already started their studies in Poland (...), it would be good for them to complete their studies,” he added.
“We will look into this. The matter is absolutely fresh,” he said.
When asked if the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was aware of a problem arising, Wieczorek replied that he did not have such information. He also stated that he would discuss with the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs to clarify any potential threats regarding Ukrainian students in Poland.
On Tuesday, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba suspended consular services for Ukrainians of conscription age until May 18 and stated that “being abroad does not exempt one from obligations to the state.” He criticized individuals who, while abroad, avoided participating in the war against the Russian aggressor.
On May 18, a new mobilization law will come into force in Ukraine, introducing several changes to the current military recruitment system, including expanding the authorities’ powers to issue military call-ups through an electronic system.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, when asked on Wednesday if Poland would agree to a possible request from Ukraine to transport those citizens whose right to stay in Poland will not be extended, replied: “Everything is possible.”
Meanwhile, on Wednesday, the Ukrainian government approved regulations stipulating that men aged 18–60 seeking to leave or already residing outside Ukraine can only obtain Ukrainian passports within the country.
Asked about the implications for Ukrainian students in Poland facing passport expiration, Wieczorek acknowledged the novelty of the situation. He stressed the need for scrutiny, stating, “We need to analyze this. At the moment, we don't see any particular threat.”
“We will probably have to discuss this matter with the Ukrainian Minister of Education and Science—how the Ukrainian government will approach the issue of students. Since they have already started their studies in Poland (...), it would be good for them to complete their studies,” he added.
“We will look into this. The matter is absolutely fresh,” he said.
When asked if the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was aware of a problem arising, Wieczorek replied that he did not have such information. He also stated that he would discuss with the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs to clarify any potential threats regarding Ukrainian students in Poland.
On Tuesday, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba suspended consular services for Ukrainians of conscription age until May 18 and stated that “being abroad does not exempt one from obligations to the state.” He criticized individuals who, while abroad, avoided participating in the war against the Russian aggressor.
On May 18, a new mobilization law will come into force in Ukraine, introducing several changes to the current military recruitment system, including expanding the authorities’ powers to issue military call-ups through an electronic system.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, when asked on Wednesday if Poland would agree to a possible request from Ukraine to transport those citizens whose right to stay in Poland will not be extended, replied: “Everything is possible.”
Source: TVP World, PAP
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