Kiev allows Ukrainians up to the age of 22 to leave the country

The Ukrainian government has granted young men up to the age of 22 permission to leave the country despite the ongoing war with Russia.

"Men between the ages of 18 and 22 can cross the border unhindered during the state of war," Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko wrote Tuesday on Telegram.

The regulation applies to all conscripts in that age group. It is also important that Ukrainians who are already abroad for various reasons do not lose their connection to their homeland, Svyrydenko wrote.

Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko explained that the measure is intended to give young men more opportunities to study abroad so they can later contribute to the country upon their return.

Following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine three and a half years ago, President Volodymyr Zelensky imposed martial law, which included a travel ban for all men between 18 and 60 eligible for military service.

Exceptions require special authorization. Nonetheless, thousands have fled abroad to avoid front-line duty.

The new regulation will not affect the ongoing mobilization. Under current law, only men aged 25 and over can be drafted for service on the front, while younger men can only enlist as volunteers.

The higher age threshold is intended to protect Ukraine's particularly small post-millennial birth cohorts.