President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the decision to allow men aged 18–22 to travel abroad will not negatively affect the country’s defence capability but will instead help preserve youth for Ukraine.
The Head of State said this during a briefing, reports Ukrinform.
“We really need, if we want to keep Ukrainian boys in Ukraine, that they first of all finish school here. And so that parents don’t take them abroad, because they start taking them away without completing school. And this is very bad because they lose their connection with Ukraine,” Zelensky said.
He noted that this problem has been growing, which is why the decision was made to allow 18–22-year-old boys to travel. The Head of State stressed that the decision was made after consultations with the military and educators.
“Children can calmly not only finish schools in Ukraine but also enter Ukrainian universities. Not abroad, but in Ukraine. And, importantly, complete these universities. Therefore, from the perspective of all these directions, all these issues, this was the solution found, which had no impact on the defence capability of our state,” the President said.
He emphasized that there are currently no signs of mass departures from Ukraine of 18–22-year-old boys.
As reported by Ukrinform, starting August 28, Ukrainian men aged 18 to 22 full years are allowed to travel abroad during martial law. To cross the border, citizens must carry their military registration document in paper or electronic form.
Ukrinform photos can be purchased here.
Source: Permission for men aged 18–22 to travel abroad to help preserve youth for Ukraine – Zelensky
