Ukrainian Parliament Develops Legislation to Allow Men Aged 18-22 to Exit the Country
Amid ongoing tensions and extensive debates regarding the easing of border crossing restrictions for young men aged between 18 and 22, a new draft law has been introduced to the Verkhovna Rada.
This initiative aims to grant this category of citizens the right to cross the border during martial law.
According to statements from parliamentarians and co-authors such as Fedir Venislavskyi and Oleksandr Fediienko, the bill aligns with President Volodymyr Zelensky’s earlier proposal to simplify border crossing procedures for young men in this age group.
Currently, the official text of the bill has not yet been published on the Verkhovna Rada’s website, but lawmakers have confirmed that it has been handed over to the parliament’s leadership for review.
The draft legislative document was reportedly submitted in response to Zelensky’s directives on August 12, when the president tasked the government with exploring ways to facilitate border crossing for young Ukrainians.
On August 18, Prime Minister Yulia Sviridenko announced that the Cabinet of Ministers is working on a resolution that would enable men aged 18 to 22 to travel abroad without requiring legislative changes, though the process has encountered some bureaucratic challenges.
The final decision on this matter remains pending, with further regulation dependent on parliamentary and governmental decisions.
This issue has sparked lively discussions across political and public circles, as it pertains to the legal rights and safety of young Ukrainians during wartime.