“Right now, the restriction is up to 18 years old,” Zelenskyy said. “I propose raising it to 22 so there are no limits when crossing the border.”
The president said he tasked Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko, together with military leadership, to explore options for relaxing border rules for young Ukrainians.
“I believe this is a positive step that will help many young Ukrainians maintain ties with Ukraine and pursue education here,” Zelenskyy said.
On July 19, Parliament Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk said the Verkhovna Rada is considering allowing men under 25 to travel abroad.
Currently, men eligible to leave the country include those under 18, over 60, or those exempted from military service due to health reasons.
On May 27, Education and Science Minister Oksen Lisovyi noted that some students leave for abroad after completing 11th grade, though he said the trend is not widespread.
On May 29, Parliamentary Committee on National Security, Defense, and Intelligence member Fedir Venislavskyi said lawmakers are working on allowing men aged 23–24 to travel abroad, but called the age limit a “sensitive” issue. He signaled potential legislative changes in the near future.