Kyiv – In a move aimed at balancing‍ national security needs with‌ the future of its ‌youth, ukraine has expanded the age limit for citizens allowed to leave the country. Prime Minister Julia Sviridenko announced this week that Ukrainians under the age of 22 can now depart, raising the previous limit ‌of 18 years.

The policy shift,which took effect Tuesday,comes as Ukraine continues to navigate the challenges of war and its long-term consequences.Since the onset of the conflict,men aged ‌18-60 ⁣have faced strict restrictions on leaving the country,permitted only in exceptional⁣ circumstances. ‌This has ⁢created a unique situation where young men who initially left Ukraine as minors ⁤have aged out of eligibility for departure, effectively trapping them within the country’s borders.

President Volodymyr Zelensky‌ expressed optimism about the initiative, stating that it would “help many young⁣ Ukrainians to ⁢maintain their relationship with ukraine and primarily to implement their study⁢ plans in Ukraine.” Though, the⁢ move is also‌ widely seen as a response ​to a growing concern: the potential​ for​ a notable and ​lasting brain drain.