Almost 100,000 men aged 18–22 left Ukraine within three months of the opening of the possibility of crossing the border, the Center for Economic Strategy , citing its own analytical estimates.
According to researchers, the net departure of this age group from August to November 2025 was about 100,000 people. Analysts note that this is about one in seven of those who were entitled to leave under the current rules. This figure is also equal to about a third of the total number of citizens who left the country during 2025.
Despite the increase in the emigration of young men, the overall migration rate in 2025 decreased by 34% compared to the previous year. If in 2024 about 460 thousand people left the country, then in 2025 - about 300 thousand. According to expert estimates, the total number of Ukrainians abroad is currently about 5.6 million people.
Earlier, there were statements about a significantly larger scale of youth departure after the relaxation of border crossing rules. However, in response, the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine denied these data, emphasizing the need to operate with official statistics.
The issue of youth migration remains sensitive from both an economic and social perspective, as it affects the labor market, demographic situation, and long-term development of the country.
