Instead of banning men from leaving, a sociologist proposes a financial deposit system

Critique of the exit ban for draft-age men

According to ХВИЛЯ: Sociologist Andriy Yeremenko, speaking on political analyst Yuriy Romanenko's show, criticized the blanket ban preventing draft-age men from leaving the country. He calls this restriction a dangerous precedent that fuels corruption and erodes public trust in the state. Yeremenko argues that rather than an outright ban, the government should allow legal departure in exchange for a substantial financial deposit, which would flow into the state budget instead of under-the-table bribes.

The total ban on men of conscription age leaving the country has been in effect since the start of the full-scale invasion. According to Yeremenko, this measure has led to serious consequences, including:

• encouraging corruption at border crossings;
• damaging citizens' trust in state institutions;
• creating a black market for crossing the border, generating illegal profits for customs officials and smugglers.

The sociologist also noted that after several high-profile cases of individuals failing to return, exit permits were revoked for all cultural figures. This decision stemmed from state authorities treating these people as potential violators, even if they had no intention of staying abroad. Illegal migration, in turn, creates administrative chaos for government agencies, as officials continue to plan budgets and send draft notices to individuals who are physically not in Ukraine.

'It seems to me that open borders would be much fairer for everyone,' Andriy Yeremenko emphasized.

Yeremenko proposes introducing a mechanism where a person could leave the country after paying a large financial deposit, equivalent to the current bribe amount for illegal border crossing. If the individual fails to return on time without a valid reason, a criminal case would be opened, and the deposit would not be refunded.

'I believe the most appropriate solution would be precisely such a transparent financial system,' Yeremenko stressed.

He pointed out that the revenue generated through this mechanism is critically needed by the state during a war that has proven extremely costly. According to him, this would help resolve many painful issues for society and the economy. 'Those who are willing to face criminal charges in order to leave the country would not have stayed here anyway,' he added.

The sociologist also noted that banning all cultural figures from leaving is a harsh punishment for those with no intention of breaking the law. He believes it is important for the state to track people crossing the border, as there is a risk of them being considered present in Ukraine, which creates additional administrative problems. 'This would remove many questions about the fairness of restrictions for all other men,' Yeremenko summarized.

Andriy Yeremenko's remarks reflect growing public discontent with the current travel restrictions, which he believes only worsen corruption and trust in the state. His proposed legal exit mechanism backed by a deposit could serve as an alternative that reduces the black market and improves the country's financial situation. This discussion underscores the importance of finding balanced solutions during crises, especially amid war and social upheaval.

As the debate over wartime travel restrictions intensifies, new legislative proposals are emerging. Recently, a draft law has been introduced that outlines potential criminal penalties for those attempting to evade these restrictions. This development raises critical questions about the balance between national security and individual freedoms, making it essential to stay informed about the implications of such measures. For more details on these proposed legal changes, see the latest updates on criminal accountability for illegal travel.