The Ukrainian Council of Ministers has modified regulations to allow men aged 18 to 22 to cross international borders freely during martial law, aiming to support youth opportunities while maintaining state ties.
Amendment to Ukrainian Laws
On Tuesday (August 25), the Ukrainian Council of Ministers amended laws regarding leaving the country during martial law. Prime Minister Julia Swydyrenko announced on Telegram that “men aged 18 to 22 will be able to cross borders without restrictions during martial law. This applies to all citizens in the appropriate age group.” She added, “The decision also includes citizens who are currently abroad for various reasons. We want Ukrainians to maintain strong connections with their country. Changes will take effect the day after the official publication of the resolution.”
Interior Minister Comments
The Ukrainian Ministry of Internal Affairs developed the amendments. The minister emphasized that this move “opens new opportunities for youth.” Ihor Klymchuk wrote on Telegram: “The primary goal of this step is to ensure Ukrainian youth access to broader educational and internship opportunities, as well as legal employment abroad, so they can later apply their experience to Ukraine’s development.” He concluded, “We do everything within our power to provide Ukrainian youth with quality education and international experience while remaining a strong part of our state.”
Zelenskyy’s Initiative
Earlier, on August 12, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged the government to relax rules for men aged 18 to 22 to cross borders. He shared this during a meeting with participants of the Ukrainian Youth Forum. In 2022, Ukraine implemented a military draft for men aged 25 to 60 due to Russia’s full-scale invasion. Existing travel regulations previously applied to younger men as well, leading many to evade conscription by fleeing abroad illegally. Ukrainian border services thwarted 13,000 such attempts this year alone.
Source: Gazeta, https://wiadomosci.gazeta.pl/twoj-ruch#anchorLink, https://wiadomosci.gazeta.pl/wiadomosci/7
