At the upcoming meeting of President Volodymyr Zelensky’s headquarters, the topic to be discussed includes whether men of military age should be allowed to travel abroad under certain conditions. This update comes from Oleksiy Danilov, the secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, who spoke during an appearance on the Rada TV channel. The discussion reflects ongoing concerns about balancing the country’s need to maintain a ready defense posture with opportunities for international work, cultural exchange, and other lawful activities that might require temporary departures from Ukraine.
Danilov emphasized that the intricacies of travel permissions are often misunderstood. He noted that when the state grants a window to exit for specific purposes, it is expected that those permissions will be respected and that travelers will return once their tasks are completed. The secretary pointed to the broader system of rules and oversight that governs such permissions, underscoring the importance of accountability for all involved parties. This viewpoint comes as the government weighs how best to structure exceptions to martial law requirements while preserving national security and public trust. At the forthcoming headquarters meeting, officials plan to review details about who issued permissions, in what quantities, and which departments were involved in authorizing departures. (Attribution: NSDC)
The discussions touch on the principle that decisions around temporary travel should not only be about consent but also about the responsibility that comes with it. Danilov suggested that a fair approach would include stronger accountability measures for lawmakers and agencies that process exit permissions, ensuring that each case is justified, documented, and aligned with the country’s security needs. This call for greater transparency aims to prevent any recurrence of improper departures and to reinforce public confidence in how exit allowances are managed during times of heightened risk. (Attribution: NSDC)
Currently, legislation restricts most men aged 18 to 60 from leaving Ukraine during martial law. The policy intends to maintain a robust national defense while allowing limited exceptions for essential duties, including works that support cultural, scientific, or humanitarian objectives. The government has faced scrutiny over instances where permission was granted in ways perceived as insufficiently regulated. In December, for example, the Ministry of Culture issued permissions to six individuals who left the country to represent Ukraine as artists; those departures did not lead to a timely return. This episode raised questions about how the authorities balance cultural representation and national security under martial law, and it has fueled discussions about closing loopholes and tightening oversight. (Attribution: NSDC)
In the wake of these events, the former Ministry of Culture and Information Policy was interested in simplifying the process for granting temporary travel permissions to men of military age. The proposal sought to streamline procedures while still ensuring compliance with martial law restrictions and accountability for departures. The dialogue around these proposals reflects a broader effort to harmonize practical needs—such as international cultural exchange and collaboration—with the imperative to safeguard Ukraine’s security and sovereignty. (Attribution: NSDC)