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Israel warns Russian citizens they might be drafted to fight Ukraine

October 1, 2022 at 11:20 am

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett meet in Sochi, Russia on 22 October 2021. [Israeli Government Press Office – Anadolu Agency]

Following Vladimir Putin’s declaration of a partial call-up, Israel warned its dual citizens that they might be drafted to fight in Ukraine, Israeli media reported on Friday.

In a statement, Israel’s Foreign Ministry announced: “Israeli citizens who hold Russian citizenship who enter, stay in, or will visit inside the borders of the Russian Federation, will be subject to Russian laws and regulations.”

The statement shared that they could be subject to: “Decisions regarding drafting citizens into the Russian military and the possibility of leaving the state’s borders.”

At the same time, the Israeli Foreign Ministry asked Israeli citizens to consider this information when planning their travels to Russia.

Meanwhile, Israel Occupation Forces are instructing Israeli soldiers with Russian citizenship that they cannot visit Russia. Those currently there are being told they must return to Israel immediately, Walla! news site reported an Israeli official saying.

According to Israeli media, this notice came as Israel prepares for an influx of Russians fleeing being drafted for the fighting in Ukraine.
Hundreds of thousands of Israelis hold Russian citizenship, many of whom still maintain links with Russia and travel back and forth.

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