The departure of artists and media professionals abroad on Ministry of Culture letters has been suspended, but there is a condition for resuming it.

The Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine (MKSK) is temporarily halting the issuance of letters of support for the departure abroad of conscripted artists and media professionals. This restriction will take effect on March 3, 2025, and will remain in place until the relevant governmental changes are adopted.

According to MKSK, this is a necessary measure aimed at regulating the procedure to prevent possible abuses in the field of cultural diplomacy.

Currently, all requests for departure are not being processed, and the restoration of the procedure will be possible after the agreed changes to the government decree are adopted.

“The restoration of opportunities for departure for artists and media professionals of conscription age will occur after the agreed changes to the government decree are adopted,” the Ministry of Culture explained.

The ministry emphasizes its interest in a prompt resolution of this issue so that Ukrainian artists and journalists can continue to represent the country at international events. Further updates regarding the new regulations will be announced following the government's decision. Additionally, the Ministry of Culture pointed out that the comments made by Dmitry Zolotukhin published in certain media do not represent the official position of the Ministry and contain personal interpretations.

It is worth noting that based on the letters of support from government authorities, 15,700 men traveled abroad in 2024, with 1,130 men not returning. Subsequently, the Ministry of Culture explained the origins of the letters issued to the border service for the departure of media professionals and artists. According to the minister's advisor, these letters “were outside the legal framework,” and due to the failure of men to return, criminal cases are being opened against officials of the Ministry of Culture (however, as noted by the Ministry of Culture, this does not represent the official position of the Ministry).

As reported by “Judicial and Legal Newspaper”, the Ministry of Culture will suspend the issuance of letters of support for the departure of conscripted artists and journalists abroad starting March 3, 2025. Currently, the Ministry has developed a draft amendment that outlines specific requirements for issuing letters of support for the departure of men of conscription age working in the fields of culture, information security, strategic communications, and media.

Earlier, a representative of the State Border Guard Service, Andrey Demchenko, stated that reserved media professionals would be able to travel abroad for official assignments.

Previously, “Judicial and Legal Newspaper” reported that some organizations, due to receiving donor assistance, had the right to reserve their employees up to 100%.

It should be noted that the Cabinet of Ministers also revoked the right of the Ministry of Development and military administrations to allow drivers to travel abroad to meet the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and to transport humanitarian aid.