Martial law and the exit ban on men in Ukraine

воєнний стан в Україні · also Martial law, воєнний стан, Exit ban

Ukraine has been under martial law since February 24, 2022, after Russia's full-scale invasion; men aged 18–60 are generally barred from leaving, though men aged 18–22 may leave since August 2025.

On February 24, 2022, the day of Russia's full-scale invasion, Zelensky declared martial law and a general mobilization, which parliament promptly approved. Martial law has since been extended in 90-day increments, voted on quarterly by parliament and signed by the president since mid-2024. Under martial law, men aged 18 to 60 are generally barred from leaving the country.

According to LB.ua on August 29, 2025, the government issued a resolution allowing men under 22 to leave, saying it would help young people "keep their connection with Ukraine" and give them wider opportunities to study and work; they must carry a passport and a military registration document. Previously only boys under 18 could cross the border freely.

Departures rose noticeably afterwards. LIGA.net, citing The Telegraph and Polish border data, said about 99,000 men aged 18–22 left in two months; The Kyiv Independent reported that weekly registrations of Ukrainian men in that age group in Germany rose from about 100 to nearly 1,000, and German Chancellor Merz asked Zelensky in November 2025 to reduce the outflow.

Last updated 2026-10-24 · Suggest a correction