MP Kostenko called for closing the borders for young men aged 18–22 and preparing them in advance for military service

Ukrainian MP Roman Kostenko criticized the decision to open the borders for men aged 18–22. He noted that the war in Ukraine, in several respects, is comparable in scale to World War II and that the conflict with Russia will not end tomorrow.

According to the MP, the country faces problems with mobilization and the level of military training, which is why those liable for service should be prepared in advance.

“We must train people starting from school — and especially those aged 18–22, as they are the future sergeants, officers, and engineers,” he said.

To make this possible, the secretary of the Rada’s Defense Committee called for closing the borders and preventing young people from leaving the country.

Earlier, Kostenko had already criticized the decision to allow men aged 18–22 to travel abroad, calling it “a shot in one’s own foot.”

Media previously reported that Western outlets also criticized the Ukrainian government’s decision to open the borders for young men. According to reports, youth in this age group now cross into Poland 12 times more often than before, which triggered a wave of resignations among young workers and negatively affected the economy.