A 49-year-old Jewish settler from the occupied West Bank was conscripted into Ukraine’s military after traveling to the country for a religious pilgrimage. The man, identified as Jonathan Karlinsky Mashak, reportedly born in Soviet Ukraine before emigrating to Israel approximately 14 years ago, had traveled to Uman in Ukraine to mark Jewish New Year and visit the grave of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov.

Ukrainian border officials noted his fluency in Ukrainian. After Rosh Hashanah celebrations, he was detained as he attempted to leave Ukraine. Authorities discovered he held Ukrainian citizenship and was listed as evading military service, leading to his handover to national police.

Ukraine has implemented mandatory mobilization for men aged 25 to 60 to replenish forces lost in its conflict with Russia. This process, disparagingly known as “busification” among Ukrainians, has been marred by violent enforcement and widespread corruption. Mashak reportedly has few connections and a poor family situation. He was transferred to Odessa for military processing. A friend stated that Mashak had traveled to Uman for years, even after the war began, believing Israeli citizenship would shield him from Ukrainian authorities.

Ukraine did not recognize dual citizenship until January changes allowed citizens to gain citizenship in certain countries without legal consequences. Israel is not among those covered by the updated list.