New applicants for temporary protection in Spain must prove compliance with military obligations

Cadena SER reports that since 5 August 2026, Ukrainians applying for temporary protection in Spain must show that they fulfilled their obligations under Ukrainian military law or are exempt. According to the report, the requirement also applies to women, although they are not obliged to take part in combat unless they volunteer.

Ana Shkalenko, president of Amigos de Ucrania in Alicante, said the new rule has made obtaining protection much more difficult. The association says temporary protection has also been refused in recent weeks to men under 23 and to women, and asks the Ukrainian embassy and state bodies to intervene. It advises affected people to go to a police station and apply for asylum.

Temporary protection grants the right to live and work in Spain, access healthcare and enrol children in school. Ministry figures cited by the report show 62,831 residence authorisations for Ukrainians in Alicante province and about 350,000 across Spain.

The report also covers Ukrainian Independence Day events: a march took place in Torrevieja, while Alicante planned a procession with a 100-metre flag. Around 11,000 Ukrainians are registered in Torrevieja.