During martial law, men who independently raise a child under 18 years old may have the right to leave Ukraine. The child does not necessarily have to cross the border with their father. It is necessary to provide documentary evidence of the relevant grounds for departure. This is reported by Visit Ukraine.
The material states that the relevant rules apply to men who truly raise a child independently, and not just live separately from the mother with the child.
The departure of a single father abroad in 2026 is possible without the child
According to the source, a man who has documented his independent upbringing of the child and has the necessary military registration documents can cross the state border without the presence of the child.
The grounds for deferring mobilization for individuals who independently raise children under 18 years old are determined by mobilization legislation. The specific procedure for crossing the border is regulated by Rules for crossing the state border for citizens of Ukraine, approved by Cabinet Resolution No. 57.
Border guards check the documents that confirm that the man is indeed raising the child independently. Therefore, the birth certificate alone is insufficient.
Documents for a single father's departure from Ukraine in September 2026
First, a birth certificate of the child is needed. It is also necessary to have a document confirming the absence of the mother’s participation in the upbringing. This could be a death certificate or a relevant court decision.
In particular, the source mentions a court decision on the deprivation of parental rights of the mother, the recognition of her as missing, or declaring her deceased, as well as decisions regarding the child's removal from the mother without deprivation of parental rights.
Documents proving the man's marital status, a current military registration document with information about the relevant grounds or deferral, a citizen of Ukraine passport, and a foreign passport may also be required.
The final decision on crossing the state border is made by authorized officials after checking the documents and the existence of legal grounds for departure.