Ukraine Allows Men Below Draft Age to Go Abroad

Some Ukrainian lawmakers say it was unfair to prevent young men under the draft age from leaving the country.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy listens during a meeting with foreign officials in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Aug. 25, 2025. Efrem Lukatsky/AP Photo

Ukraine has eased its travel restrictions to allow men ages 18 to 22 to leave the country freely, the first time since it went to war with Russia more than three years ago.

Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko announced the change on Aug. 26 on her Telegram channel. She said this decision also applies to citizens who, “for various reasons, find themselves currently abroad.”