Israeli Citizen Claims Forced Conscription into Ukrainian Army

The family of Yevgeny Gorbits, a 42-year-old Israeli citizen, has appealed to Israel's Foreign Ministry for assistance after he was allegedly forcibly conscripted into the Ukrainian army. Gorbits, who moved to Israel from Ukraine in 2011 and obtained Israeli citizenship, had been visiting his elderly mother in Ukraine since the summer of 2025. He had reportedly sought to renounce his Ukrainian citizenship years prior, believing the process was complete, and had visited Ukraine twice during the war without issue.

However, in August 2025, Ukrainian authorities prevented Gorbits from leaving the country, asserting he remained a Ukrainian citizen who had entered using an Israeli passport, which they claim is against local law. For over a year, Gorbits remained in Ukraine, attempting to resolve the situation through legal means and appeals to the Israeli Foreign Ministry. His wife stated that he became desperate to return home and attempted to cross into Poland illegally, during which he was allegedly shot and wounded in the abdomen.

Following his apprehension by Ukrainian authorities, Gorbits was reportedly conscripted into the Ukrainian army and stationed near the front lines in the Kharkiv region. His family claims they have not received any official documentation regarding his legal proceedings or conscription. Gorbits' wife expressed deep fear for his life and a desire for more information and assistance from the Israeli government, stating, "I am not asking the State of Israel to do the impossible. But I really want at least some involvement and help in getting information about my husband."

The Israeli Foreign Ministry responded that they are providing all possible consular assistance and are acting within the bounds of local Ukrainian law. Gorbits' nephew added that his uncle "wants to go home - to his life, to his family, and to his cats."