President Volodymyr Zelensky stated during a joint press conference with Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas that Ukrainian men of conscription age staying abroad should return to Ukraine to either serve in the military or work and pay taxes to support the war effort, emphasizing that those who crossed borders illegally represent an issue.

Zelensky stated that returning male Ukrainian citizens of conscription age from abroad is not necessarily about drafting them to the army, but also about having them work and pay taxes in Ukraine to support the nation's military

Zelensky stated that Ukrainian soldiers have been fighting for two years and regained 50% of the captured territories from the enemy

Zelensky stated that some Ukrainian men of conscription age crossed borders illegally to go abroad

Zelensky stated that men in Ukraine who work and pay taxes are also defending the country even if not at the front lines

Zelensky stated that men of conscription age abroad who are not at the front, do not pay taxes, and crossed illegally create an issue

Defense Minister Rustem Umerov stated in late December 2023 that the Ukrainian government wishes all male citizens of conscription age staying abroad to report to draft stations of Ukraine's Armed Forces

Zelenskyy stated Ukrainian men of military age should return to Ukraine at least to pay taxes