The Ministry of Culture of Ukraine has temporarily allowed the issuance of letters of assistance for artists and media workers of draft age to travel abroad since March 2025. The decision was made due to numerous cases of untimely return or complete disregard for legislative obligations in Ukraine.
Reasons for the decision
According to the Ministry of Culture, more and more artists and journalists, after receiving letters requesting foreign trips, do not return to Ukraine within the established deadlines or remain abroad for an indefinite period.
"The rules for artists and media professionals to travel abroad during martial law need clarification to prevent abuse," the Ministry of Culture said.
From March 3, 2025 and until the regulatory and legal settlement of this issue, the Ministry suspends the issuance of letters of assistance to the State Border Service of Ukraine regarding the departure of the specified category of persons across the state border
Due to gaps in national legislation, as noted, "there have been numerous cases where persons who received permission from the State Border Service to temporarily travel abroad under a letter of assistance from the Ministry did not return to Ukraine within the established time limits.".
It is reported that the issue remains unresolved to this day.
Currently, as indicated by the ministry, a draft of amendments to the government resolution has been developed, which is at the stage of interdepartmental coordination.
The changes should regulate the issue of exhaustive requirements for the ministry to make a decision on providing a letter of assistance to men of draft age working in the fields of culture, information security, strategic communications, and linear audiovisual media for their temporary travel abroad during martial law.
The Ministry is aware of the importance and necessity of constant international cultural and media interaction and is currently working to eliminate this legal irregularity.
