Ukraine lets men 18–22 travel abroad, but critics say too late

“I see this as another black-and-white decision. Unfortunately, in our politics, measures are often presented as either good or bad, with little nuance,” Koshel said. “Authorities like symbolic gestures—announce a decision today and expect everything to change tomorrow. But decisions must be complex. This is not just about letting 18- to 22-year-olds leave; it involves many categories and deeper issues that need solving.”

He cited Ukrainian students who went abroad to study before the full-scale invasion. “We have students who are 23 now, studying at Jagiellonian University, for example. They should also have clear exceptions, so they can come home and return to their studies without difficulty. Otherwise, we risk losing these young citizens and professionals altogether.”

Koshel argued the government should have acted years earlier. “This decision comes with at least a several-year delay. We have already lost—not tens of thousands, but likely more than 100,000 young people—who are now building their futures in the West. That’s a massive problem. The second issue is that it shows how damaging procrastination can be when it comes to policymaking.”

He added that recent youth protests may have pressured authorities to act. “I don’t think this decision would have been made without the wave of student protests a few weeks ago—the so-called cardboard protests, which showed clear dissatisfaction. Now the government is trying to play catch-up. [Presidential chief of staff Andriy] Yermak suddenly holds closed-door meetings with students, as if that’s his top priority. And now we see this travel decision.”

Koshel concluded that authorities are likely to make further concessions aimed at placating young voters. “To drown out this protest wave, the government will roll out more surprises for youth—scholarships, gestures, ritual dances, and attempts to court the student electorate. Sadly, that seems to be the only logical explanation for why such decisions are being made now, years too late.”