EU Council and Lithuania Extend Temporary Protection for Ukrainians Until March 4, 2028, Introducing New Rules for Military-Age Men

Lithuania Extends Temporary Protection for Ukrainian Refugees

According to Рубрика — Суспільство: The Lithuanian government has decided to prolong temporary protection for Ukrainians who fled their country due to the ongoing conflict until March 4, 2028. This extension includes updated conditions, particularly affecting military-age men who must now prove their completion of military service to qualify for this status. The European Union Council has also endorsed this extension with similar requirements applied across member states.

To verify military service, Ukrainian men can submit various types of documentation, such as:

• proof of legally crossing the Ukrainian border when leaving;
• a passport stamp;
• an official certificate confirming discharge or completion of military service.

These conditions, however, do not apply to individuals who received temporary protection in any EU country before August 4, 2026, or those who applied for it in Lithuania before this date and are awaiting a decision.

Currently, Lithuania hosts around 52,000 residents under temporary protection status. Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the European Union activated an emergency protection mechanism, granting Ukrainians access to this status across all 27 member countries. Approximately 4.4 million Ukrainians hold temporary protection throughout the EU, with the largest communities residing in Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic.

Statistics and Updated Requirements

Adult men make up roughly 27% of Ukrainians with temporary protection in the EU, women represent 43%, and minors account for 30%. At the beginning of August, the EU Council clarified that temporary protection will be denied to those unable to confirm fulfilment of military obligations. Member countries may request documents verifying legal border crossing or evidence of exemption from mobilization.

Beyond Lithuania, Switzerland has also extended its temporary protection for Ukrainians through 2028, introducing similar stipulations for newly arriving men. Meanwhile, Finland plans to reduce the number of asylum reception centers due to a decline in Ukrainian arrivals. The 'Dodomoy' platform, established to assist displaced Ukrainians, has attracted 52,000 users from nearly 100 countries during its initial months, with the largest user bases in Germany, Poland, the Czech Republic, Spain, and Ukraine itself.

Extending temporary protection for Ukrainian refugees within Lithuania and across the EU represents a vital measure to support those displaced by war. The newly implemented requirements, especially the verification of military service, reflect the ongoing efforts of EU member states to maintain control over the process while addressing evolving security concerns.