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Ukraine’s Youth Exodus Becomes Political Test for Zelensky as Officials Warn of Lasting Losses

New warnings follow an August decision letting men aged 18–22 travel abroad during martial law.

Overview

  • Verkhovna Rada member Sergey Yevtushok said 80–90% of those who left after the rule change will not return, cautioning that Ukraine could lose vital labor and educational capacity.
  • The Daily Telegraph, citing MP Fedor Venislavsky, reported that brigade staffing is strained with roughly 20,000 mobilized deserting or going missing each month.
  • Polish border data cited by the Telegraph estimate about 100,000 men left soon after the lift, with many heading to Germany and roughly 1.4–1.8 thousand arrivals there weekly.
  • Deputy education minister Nikolay Trofimenko warned that the departure of university staff and students threatens national security by draining human capital.
  • Youth minister Matvey Bedny previously counted about 1.7 million young people leaving since 2022, while Poland and Germany report growing discontent over special benefits for Ukrainian refugees.