The Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communication has developed amendments to border crossing rules to prevent the abuse of cultural diplomacy during martial law. This decision was made after numerous cases when people who received a temporary exit permit did not return to Ukraine within the specified timeframe.
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Back in 2022, the Ministry initiated changes to the legislation, but as of today, they remain uncoordinated. Draft amendments to the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine Resolution No. 57 regulating the rules for crossing the state border have been prepared. Its consideration is ongoing at the interagency level.
The proposed amendments provide for clear requirements for issuing letters of assistance to men of conscription age who work in the fields of culture, information security, strategic communications, and audiovisual media. The document aims to minimise the risks of illegal travel abroad during martial law.
In this regard, as of 3 March 2025, the Ministry will temporarily suspend the issuance of letters of assistance for artists and media professionals to travel abroad until this issue is regulated by law. At the same time, it is noted that international cultural and media interaction remains a priority, and work on eliminating legal gaps continues.
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