Ukraine: Young Men's New Freedom to Enter and Leave

A New Era for Ukrainian Men

It is 9:00 in the morning, and the Shehyni checkpoint in Lviv, near Ukraine’s border with Poland, is buzzing with activity. Buses and cars move slowly through the area, while pedestrians—mostly elderly people, women, and children—cross without long lines. Among them are several men of varying ages.

At the end of August, the Ukrainian government introduced a new policy that allows men aged 18 to 22 to leave the country. This decision came after martial law was imposed following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that this move would encourage more young men to stay in Ukraine by giving them the freedom to travel and return as they please. He emphasized that the rule would not affect the country’s defense capabilities.

This policy has sparked a heated debate within Ukrainian society. Some view it as a positive step, while others argue it is unfair to active military personnel and recruits. There are also concerns that some young men may not return to Ukraine.

Reasons for Leaving Ukraine

KENAPANGGAK.COM spent three hours at the Ukrainian-Polish border, speaking with several men crossing into Poland. Their reasons for leaving were varied. Mykola, 22, a bus driver from the Ivano-Frankivsk region, wanted to visit his brother-in-law in Krakow. “For a week or two at most,” he said, insisting he would return home where his girlfriend awaited him.

Ilya, also 22 from Kryvyi Rih, was on his way to Warsaw, where he planned to visit relatives. “The moment has come, and we have to seize the opportunity to see our relatives for a few days,” he said.

KENAPANGGAK.COM also spoke with nine Ukrainians, aged 18 to 21, who were traveling to Wroclaw for a football match. For some of the friends, it was their first trip abroad. They had decided to take a few days off before the game and planned to return to Ukraine to continue their studies.

Ivan, a 21-year-old dancer, crossed the border with his mother, Gloria. They had no suitcases, just shopping bags. Their plan was to go to the supermarket in Poland and return to Lviv the same day. Ivan has no plans to go abroad for a longer period. He has traveled to many countries as a dancer and explained that although the loosening of regulations could allow him to participate in international dance competitions again, he wants to stay in Ukraine and continue his studies.

“I’m doing a Master’s next year at the Polytechnic Institute. I’m happy with everything here. Of course, the war is bad, but I have family and friends here,” he said.

Andriy, 21, from Ivano-Frankivsk, told KENAPANGGAK.COM that he wanted to go abroad to make more money. He has worked in the oil and gas industry in Ukraine and hopes to find a job as a welder in the Netherlands, where he already has relatives and acquaintances. He plans to return to Ukraine for New Year’s but not for longer.

Mobilization and Legal Implications

According to the new regulations, men aged 18 to 22 (until the day before they turn 23) can travel abroad as often as they like. Those who choose not to return won’t face any criminal consequences. However, from the age of 25, Ukrainian men are subject to mobilization. A 25-year-old man who does not return to Ukraine and report to the military could face prosecution.

Roman, a minibus driver transporting people to the Czech Republic and Germany, noted an increase in travelers since the new regulations took effect. “There have been a lot of inquiries this week,” he said. Every week, he receives calls from between five and 10 men. This week, Mykola from Ivano-Frankivsk is with him. Next week, he'll transport another 22-year-old.

Mykola told KENAPANGGAK.COM that he definitely wanted to return to Ukraine. “Home is home. I can't imagine myself abroad and don't want to live there.”

Increased Passenger Traffic

The border officials mentioned that they hadn’t seen a significant rise in young men leaving Ukraine since the regulations changed. Svitlana Burda, a spokesperson for the border guard unit, attributed the increase in passenger traffic at checkpoints in the Lviv region to summer tourism rather than the new rules. “Passenger traffic is still reaching peak levels at the checkpoints in the Lviv region, with 40% more than before the summer season,” she said.

She added that weekend passenger traffic had increased by 16%, but numbers were expected to decline by the end of September.

Perspectives on the Changes

Andriy, who is on his way to find work abroad, is pleased about the new regulations. “People will begin to believe in something better, they will be able to travel, earn money, and go on holiday,” he said.

Roman, the minibus driver, agreed. “If there is a chance to return and go abroad again, it will keep young people in Ukraine,” he said, adding that otherwise they would be more likely to stay abroad.

Ivan’s mother, Gloria, believes that most young Ukrainians who wanted to leave the country for good had already done so. Some might still leave, she said, but most will keep building a life in Ukraine, leaving only to go on holiday or see something of the world.

“No one changes their life overnight,” she said. “Just to get out of Ukraine?”