The Rada proposes to close Ukraine's borders and stop the departure of young people

«Close the borders»: a proposal to stop young people from leaving the country is heard in the Verkhovna Rada

• Secretary of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on National Security, Defence and Intelligence Roman Kostenko said that the only way to keep young people from leaving during the war is to by closing the borders. This was aired on a TV programme on 21 September 2025.

• We are talking about a public statement by a deputy, and not about the registered draft law. At the same time, the topic has become resonant due to the recent relaxation of the rules of departure for men aged 18-22.

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What happened

During the interview, Kostenko called the government's decision to allow men aged 18-22 to leave a mistake and answered the question «what should be done to prevent young people from leaving»: «Close the borders - and they don't go anywhere». The statement was quoted by the Ukrainian media.

Context: current exit rules

• З 22-27 August 2025 The government and the Rada have opened up the possibility of departure for men aged 18-22 (if documented), and consider wider initiatives for 18-24/25 year olds for those who not subject to mobilisation. The Ministry of Internal Affairs issued official clarifications.

• After the easing, the following appeared discussions about the consequences for the labour market, demography and defence. Some experts and businesses point to the risk of a youth outflow.

Is there a legislative initiative on «full closure»

As of 21 September no registered draft law, which would propose a total closure of the border «for young people». On the contrary, in recent weeks, the Verkhovna Rada has registered projects on extension opportunities to leave for those who are not subject to mobilisation (in particular, No. 13685). Therefore, Kostenko's words political position/proposal, The law is not a formalised legislative initiative.

Arguments of the parties

Supporters of a stricter exit regime appeal to the needs of defence, personnel shortages and the duration of the war.
Opponents emphasise the rights of citizens, the risks of brain drain, and the fact that the current easing applies to categories, who are not legally subject to mobilisation, and can reduce shadow schemes with the border.

What's next

• If the proposal is turned into a legislative initiative, it must pass registration, committees and voting.

• Any changes to the rules for crossing the border during martial law will be accompanied by updated explanations from the SBGS/MIA.

Sources.

TSN: Roman Kostenko's statement about «closing the borders»; Today.ua: quotes from the broadcast; MIA: official explanations on exit 18-22; Radio Liberty / other media: on draft law No. 13685 and discussions on 18-24/25.