Border Guard Service: Travel from Ukraine unchanged after new rule for men up to 22
Illustrative photo: the number of people at the border is no higher than usual (Getty Images)
The Ukrainian government’s decision to allow men aged 18 to 22 to travel abroad has not led to an increase in passenger flow. The number of people crossing the border daily remains within the usual range, according to a statement from the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine (DPSU).
The DPSU assured that the permission for men aged 18–22 to travel abroad has in no way affected the increase in passenger flow at border checkpoints. People in this age group have also not become the "main" segment of cross-border traffic, contrary to how some media outlets are portraying it.
"The summer season is still ongoing, so overall passenger flow remains high. Traditionally, it increases before holidays and on weekends," the border guards explained.
It is also noted that on weekdays, an average of 125,000–135,000 people cross the state border in both directions, while on weekends this number rises to 150,000 per day. This is a standard summer increase: in spring, the number of weekday border crossings averaged 75,000–80,000 per day.
Travel of young men abroad
On August 27, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine issued a resolution allowing men aged 18 to 22 (inclusive) to cross the border during martial law.
These men are required to carry not only a passport but also a military registration document (in paper or electronic form). The documents must be presented at border checkpoints upon request by the State Border Guard Service staff.
Starting the morning of August 28, men aged 18–22 were indeed allowed to cross the border, and some have already managed to leave.
