Ukrainian border guards at the border. Getty Images
As reported by the telethon «United News»
In the last two months, Ukraine has seen a decrease in the number of attempts to illegally cross the border. The State Border Guard Service attributes this to changing weather conditions. During the telethon “Unified News,” the State Border Guard Service spokesperson Andriy Demchenko said that peak detentions were recorded in August.
Starting from September, the trend is downward. Weather conditions contribute to this. Most often, violators try to cross the border in spring and summer, while autumn and winter are the periods when there are fewer people willing to do so.
Fewer violators are being recorded heading toward Slovakia and Poland
Current dynamics of border crossing and the legal framework during martial law
Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, a ban on leaving the country for men of conscription age – from 18 to 60 years – has been in place due to the introduction of martial law. Exemptions apply to certain categories, including students of foreign higher education institutions, volunteers, drivers, and fathers of many children.
On August 26, Prime Minister Yulia Sviridenko announced that the Cabinet updated the procedure for crossing the state border. Now men aged 18 to 22 will be able to leave Ukraine without hindrance during martial law. This concerns all Ukrainians of the corresponding age.
The Cabinet of Ministers on August 27 issued a decree on outbound travel for men aged 18 to 22. Men aged 18–22 will be able to cross the border.
In addition, changes to the rules for exiting during martial law are reflected in migration flows in various directions, especially toward Eastern European countries, which affects the overall dynamics of border crossing. These steps indicate an adaptation of legislative norms to the realities of today’s security and citizens’ needs.
Useful reading:
- Illegal border crossing attempts are highest at the Romania-Ukraine border, with new rules easing travel for men aged 18-22 during martial law.
- New government rules allow unpaid female local council deputies to cross the border freely during martial law, supporting volunteer work and community development.
- The Ukrainian government allows men aged 18-22 to travel abroad, sparking debates on workforce impact and defense, while offering youth educational and work opportunities overseas.
