Ukrainian men aged 18-22 now allowed to cross the border freely, PM says

Border rule change takes effect immediately after publication

FILE PHOTO: Newly appointed Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko attends a session of Ukrainian parliament, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine Jul 17, 2025. REUTERS/Andrii Nesterenko/File Photo

Ukrainian men aged 18 to 22 are now allowed to cross the border freely in either direction under martial law, Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko said.

Previous regulations introduced after Russia's February 2022 invasion of its smaller neighbour barred men aged 18-60 from leaving the country.

"This applies to all citizens in this age group. The decision also concerns citizens who, for various reasons, are located outside Ukraine," Svyrydenko wrote on Telegram, referring to a government decree.

"We want Ukrainians to maintain a maximum of links with Ukraine. The changes take effect the day after official publication."