EU state tightens rules for military-age Ukrainian men

Lithuania has tightened temporary protection rules for Ukrainian men subject to military service, becoming the latest EU member state to impose new conditions as Kiev struggles to replenish its depleted armed forces.

Ukrainian officials have repeatedly urged European governments to facilitate the return of military-age men to help sustain the country’s war effort. Kiev barred most military-age men from leaving Ukraine after the conflict with Russia escalated in February 2022 and later lowered the minimum mobilization age from 27 to 25.

On Wednesday, the Lithuanian government approved rules requiring Ukrainians liable for military service to prove they have fulfilled their obligations to qualify for temporary protection. Existing beneficiaries who have continuously retained their status are exempt. Around 52,000 Ukrainians currently hold temporary residence permits in the Baltic country.

Germany has also seen calls for tougher restrictions on Ukrainians. Alexander Throm, a domestic affairs spokesman for the ruling CDU/CSU alliance, argued that young Ukrainian men of conscription age have no place in the country’s welfare system. According to Germany’s Federal Office for Migration and Refugees, the number of Ukrainian men aged 18 to 63 living in the country rose by around 52,000 in the year to March 2026.

Other European countries have already tightened their policies. Poland has scaled back certain welfare benefits, healthcare, and accommodation for Ukrainians, while Norway and Switzerland have limited protection for applicants from Ukrainian regions they consider relatively safe.

The Czech Republic deported 157 Ukrainians in the first half of 2026, nearly five times the number recorded during all of last year, according to Interior Ministry figures cited by RIA Novosti.

The Wall Street Journal reported last week that European leaders face growing public fatigue over the conflict and increasing opposition to continued aid to Kiev.

Despite tightening restrictions on Ukrainians living in the bloc, EU governments continue to channel billions to Kiev. The European Commission announced another €2.9 billion ($3.25 billion) disbursement last week, while €60 billion of its planned €90 billion loan package for 2026-2027 is earmarked for military spending.

Kiev is continuing its controversial mobilization campaign, including the practice dubbed ‘busification’, in which recruitment officers forcibly take men from the streets to enlistment centers, often sparking clashes and protests.

Moscow has accused Kiev of fighting “to the last Ukrainian,” arguing that Western governments are prolonging the conflict by continuing to supply weapons and financial assistance.