On August 26, Ukraine's Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko announced that men aged 18 to 22 would be allowed to leave the country freely during martial law. This decision came following a meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky. No extra requirements are planned for this age group; the main goal is family reunification and supporting students studying abroad.
Parliament is also considering expanding the age for permitted departures up to 24, but no final decision has been made yet. Analysts note that the ongoing war remains the main reason for the restrictions.
Julian Roepcke, a military analyst for Bild, reports that Russia's summer offensive in Ukraine stalled, with Russian troops gaining only 3% of territory over several months and most Kremlin objectives unmet. The southern front remains largely unchanged, while the northern "security belt" plan failed.
Ukraine's Special Operations Forces struck Russian logistics sites in occupied Crimea. Several Russian oil refineries were attacked, disabling about 17% of overall capacity. This has led to domestic fuel shortages and rising prices in Russia. According to Reuters, these attacks aim to strengthen Ukraine’s negotiating position and counter Kremlin narratives.
On the global stage, new security guarantees are in discussion: the US may station aircraft in Ukraine or in neighboring countries, while Belgium and Switzerland are also considering sending jet fighters and military contingents. No official confirmations yet, but talks are ongoing.
Ukraine faces diplomatic tensions with Poland and Hungary. Budapest is angered by reported pipeline attacks, and Poland demands further action from Kyiv regarding the Volhynia issue as a condition for EU support. Kyiv is seeking a diplomatic solution, but progress has been limited.
Another key point: for the first time in two years, Chinese President Xi Jinping sent official greetings to Ukraine for its Independence Day. This signals possible shifts in negotiations over freezing the war. Meanwhile, China plans to showcase advanced weaponry at a major military parade, increasing global security concerns.
