Copyright kyivpost
Within two months of Ukraine easing its border restrictions, nearly 100,000 young men were said to have left the country. It sounds dramatic – but the narrative is misleading. The law allowing them to leave was introduced precisely so that young people could do so. So, the exodus should come as no surprise. On Aug. 28, 2025, Ukraine lifted restrictions on men aged 18 to 22 leaving the country. Just two months later, international media reacted with alarm. Headlines such as “Almost 100,000 young men flee Ukraine in two months” and “Ukraine’s exodus of young men could be fatal” (The Telegraph) quickly spread across global outlets. However, the data behind those claims came from Poland’s Border Guard and referred to the number of border crossings, not the number of individuals who had permanently left Ukraine. A distorted picture The entire debate about the supposed “flight of young Ukrainians” is distorted. If lawmakers in Kyiv allowed young men to leave, they did so intentionally – so that they could leave legally. The aim was not to escape, but to let them continue their education and gain experience abroad. The Ukrainian government is well aware of the country’s severe demographic crisis. Even before Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukraine had one of the lowest fertility rates in Europe. After 2022, millions of refugees – mostly women and children – fled the country. Allowing young men to travel abroad is part of a long-term strategy: maintaining ties with the vast Ukrainian diaspora and helping a new generation acquire skills that will one day contribute to rebuilding the country. Why did Ukraine let young men leave? There are several reasons. First, education and skills. Thousands of young Ukrainians were already studying in Western universities before the war. In the new wartime reality, giving them the option to continue their studies – while still being able to visit family in Ukraine – makes sense. Second, connections with the diaspora. Many teenagers who fled Ukraine in 2022 would not be able to re-enter the country without risking forced conscription. The new law solves that issue, letting them travel safely. Of course, the move has raised questions about the army and mobilization, but that situation is far more complex than most headlines suggest. Mobilization: “not bad, not terrible” Contrary to popular belief, the mobilization age in Ukraine starts at 25. Estimates suggest that up to one million people serve in the armed forces, while there are roughly six million men of conscription age in the country. The decision not to draft younger men is intended to protect Ukraine’s demographic balance. While issues such as rotation, desertion, and morale do exist, it does not mean that “there’s no one left to fight.” Increasingly, technology and drones are taking over many frontline roles, while national defense also depends on logistics, infrastructure, and the functioning of the civilian economy. Recruitment today looks very different from the viral videos circulating online. The army appeals less through coercion or patriotic slogans and more through training opportunities, professional growth, and targeted recruitment campaigns run by individual battalions. Too early for conclusions The uproar over the alleged “mass exodus of young Ukrainians” reveals how easily parts of the Western media and commentariat can oversimplify a complex issue. Lack of context leads to flawed conclusions. Whether allowing 18-22-year-olds to leave will turn out to be a mistake or an investment in Ukraine’s future – it’s simply too early to tell. The views expressed in this opinion article are the author’s and not necessarily those of Kyiv Post.
