“A shot in the knee”: Western media assessed Ukraine’s decision to open the borders for young men aged 18–22

Western media criticize the Ukrainian government’s decision to open the borders for men aged 18–22.

The German outlet N-tv writes that, against the backdrop of mobilization problems, such a decision by the Ukrainian authorities appears strange.

According to the publication, young men in this age group are now crossing the border into Poland 12 times more oftenthan before.

This decision has also triggered a wave of resignations among young men, which has negatively affected the economy.

“At the same time, the demographic situation in the country remains difficult. Although there are no reliable statistics on this, the actual population in the regions controlled by Kyiv has decreased by ten million people since February 2022,” the article states.

Earlier, media reported that one in three Ukrainian employers said their employees aged 18–22 had quit after the border was opened for this age category.

Street opinion polls show that many young men are ready to leave Ukraine, saying the country has no future and “no development.” Most of those surveyed plan to settle in Western European countries — Poland and Germany.