Nearly 100,000 Young Men Flee Ukraine In 2 Months Following Loosened Restrictions

A surge in young Ukrainian men fleeing the country to avoid conscription has been documented by European media. Poland's border guard reports nearly 100,000 men aged 18-22 crossed the border since eased departure rules in late August. Ukraine previously barred men aged 18-60 from leaving under martial law. The rules were loosened to allow 18-22 year olds to leave. Ukraine has not mobilized those aged 18-25, which has angered some American politicians. Zelensky's office previously blamed the West's slow weapon deliveries for not mobilizing more manpower. The change in policy was intended to encourage more young men to return and volunteer later. Men aged 25-60 can be conscripted, but those 24 and under are exempt. The exodus raises questions about Ukraine's utilization of its fighting-age population. The trend is unlikely to reverse without significant changes in the war's trajectory.