Border Guard Service: No mass departure of Ukrainian men aged 18–22 after rule change
Photo: State Border Guard Service spokesperson Andrii Demchenko (mediacenter.org.ua)
The State Border Guard Service has not recorded a mass departure of men aged 18–22 from the country following the changes to border crossing rules, spokesperson for the State Border Guard Service, Andrii Demchenko, said in a comment to RBC-Ukraine.
According to him, the statistical records by age categories in the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine (DPSU) are not defined and are not maintained.
"Therefore, I won’t appeal to any figures. But since August 28, when the changes to the border-crossing rules came into effect, allowing Ukrainian men aged 18 to 22 to cross the border during martial law, this category has not caused a significant increase or a mass influx in passenger traffic," Demchenko told the outlet.
He noted that, of course, this category does cross the border to leave Ukraine. However, the DPSU spokesperson emphasizes that it should not be forgotten that they also cross the border to enter Ukraine.
"Movement occurs in both directions. Analysis at each checkpoint, on every section, and observations by our inspectors of the categories they process show that this is a small number relative to the overall passenger flow, including those leaving Ukraine," Demchenko added.
Permission for men aged 18–22 to leave the country
Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion, martial law and mobilization have been in effect in Ukraine. Because of this, men aged 18 to 60 were prohibited from leaving the country, with certain exceptions.
However, at the end of August, the government adopted a resolution allowing men aged 18 to 22 to cross the state border during martial law. The document has already been published, and the provisions are now in effect.
At the same time, restrictions remain in place for certain groups. This includes those holding positions in state authorities or local government — they, as before, can only travel abroad for official business trips.
The changes also apply to citizens currently outside Ukraine.
Border guards emphasize that, for crossing the border, young men — as well as other categories — must have a valid passport and a military registration document, either in paper or electronic form.
