Men in Ukraine aged 18-22 can now travel abroad. This is an easing of previous restrictions imposed after the start of the Russian invasion to ensure a sufficient number of military conscripts.

Since the start of the full-scale Russian invasion, men aged 18-60 have needed special permission to leave the country. Thousands of Ukrainians have been trying to cross the border illegally every year, often via dangerous routes.

“The government is updating the procedure for crossing the state border. Men aged 18-22 can leave the country freely during martial law,” Prime Minister Yulia Sviridenko said on Telegram.

The decision applies to all Ukrainian citizens in this age group, including those already abroad, allowing them to return and leave the country again.

Men aged 18-22 are not subject to compulsory mobilization, as the minimum age for conscription is 25 after it was lowered last year. Despite attempts by the Ukrainian army to attract volunteers under 25 through financial incentives, it has failed to achieve its goals.

According to UN data, more than 5.6 million Ukrainians live outside the country, most of them in European countries. | BGNES