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 immigrated to Israel from Ukraine in 2011 and obtained citizenship, traveled to Ukraine in the summer of 2025 to visit his elderly mother. He had previously attempted to renounce his Ukrainian citizenship, believing the process was complete, and had visited Ukraine twice during the war without incident.

However, upon his arrival 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 illegal. 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 the border into Poland illegally, during which he was reportedly shot and wounded in the abdomen.

After being apprehended by Ukrainian authorities, Gorbits was allegedly 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, acknowledging the legal complexities but requesting involvement.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry stated that it is providing all possible consular assistance to Gorbits, operating within the bounds of Ukrainian law. Gorbits' nephew conveyed that his uncle is awaiting military training and wishes to return to his life and family in Israel.