The government has allowed men aged 18-22 to travel abroad: details of the decision

The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has adopted a decree allowing men aged 18 to 22 to cross the state border without hindrance during the state of martial law. This was announced by Ukraine's Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko on her Telegram channel. According to her, the government has updated the procedure for crossing the state border: 'Men aged 18 to 22 will be able to cross the border without hindrance during the martial law. This applies to all citizens of the relevant age.'

On August 12, 2025, during a meeting with participants of the Ukrainian Youth Forum, President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that he instructed the government together with the military command to work on simplifying the crossing of the state border for Ukrainians aged 18 to 22. The head of state noted that this 'will help many young Ukrainians maintain ties with Ukraine and realize themselves in Ukraine – primarily in education.' Zelensky confirmed this morning that 'the government has agreed on all details with the military command, and the relevant opportunities should be implemented soon.'

Alongside the government decree, the issue of legislatively consolidating this norm is being considered in the Verkhovna Rada. On August 22, a draft law No. 13685 was registered in parliament, which provides for permission for men aged 18 to 22 to leave Ukraine. One of the co-authors of the document, MP from the 'Servant of the People' Fedor Venislavsky explained: 'Those people who turn 23 this year and next year 24, can be restricted in freedom of movement, while others cannot. As long as a person is not 23 years old, they can move freely.'

The new decision applies to all citizens of the relevant age category, including Ukrainian citizens who have returned to the country from abroad. According to Svyrydenko, the decision aims to maintain their connection with their homeland. Previously, travel abroad was allowed only for certain categories of men under 25: contract soldiers under 25 and Ukrainian students aged 18-22 participating in international academic programs. To travel abroad, one needs to have a foreign passport, military registration documents, as well as official certificates or letters from state authorities or employers depending on the reasons for leaving.

At the same time as liberalizing travel rules, the government is working on strengthening responsibility for violations. The Cabinet submitted a draft law No. 13673 to the Verkhovna Rada, which provides for imprisonment for up to 3 years for attempting illegal border crossing. Additionally, violations of conscripts, military personnel, or reservists regarding the terms of stay abroad during martial law will be punishable by imprisonment for 3-5 years.

Earlier, Prime Minister Svyrydenko emphasized that the issue of male travel for those aged 18-22 requires broad discussion and dialogue, which the government is holding with the military. 'We are working on the president's task – to find a way to allow people to travel abroad,' she noted. The decision will come into effect shortly after all necessary procedures are completed. The military situation in Ukraine is in effect until November 5, 2025.

The Ukrainian government has allowed men aged 18 to 22 to cross the border during martial law, simplifying the procedure and maintaining the youth's connection to Ukraine. To maintain control, the government plans to strengthen responsibility for violations in this area.