During a recent press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre emphasized that the issue of mobilization is an internal matter for Ukraine. He stated that Norway is focused on establishing a stable support system for Ukrainian refugees arriving in the country.
Støre’s remarks come amid ongoing discussions about the potential return of Ukrainian male refugees to their home country. He affirmed that Norway does not send Ukrainian refugees back, noting,
“We do not send people home from Norway. Over 100,000 refugees from Ukraine have arrived here, and in recent months, the number of young people coming has been increasing.”
The Prime Minister highlighted that Norway adheres to its immigration laws and is undertaking necessary legislative steps to ensure a proper and stable framework for Ukrainians living in the country. He added,
“The process of preparation and defense in Ukraine is an internal affair of Ukraine, and it is not something we are involved in. Therefore, we want to create a stable mechanism for people coming to Norway. Our work ends there. We also maintain contact with our Ukrainian partners on this issue.”
Currently, under the wartime regulations in Ukraine, there are restrictions on men aged 18 to 60 leaving the country. However, as of September 1, 2024, the Ukrainian government has permitted men of conscription age to travel abroad for work-related purposes, allowing stays of up to seven days, provided they deposit 200,000 hryvnias as a guarantee of return.
According to the Cabinet of Ministers, men of conscription age who leave Ukraine and reside abroad must register for military service by June 17. Those who fail to update their information may face limitations on consular services.
On July 19, 2025, the Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada indicated that discussions were underway in Parliament regarding the possibility of allowing men aged 18 to 24 to leave Ukraine. This issue has been considered both by individual members of Parliament and within the Committee on National Security, Defense, and Intelligence.
On August 12, President Zelensky announced that the government would work to simplify border crossing for Ukrainian men up to 22 years old, in collaboration with military leadership. He described this initiative as a positive step that would help young Ukrainians maintain ties with their homeland while pursuing educational opportunities.
Additionally, two legislative proposals have been registered in the Rada, aimed at permitting young men to leave Ukraine. One proposal seeks to allow travel for individuals aged 18 to 22, while the other extends this possibility to men up to 24 years old.
On August 26, Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko reported that the Cabinet had updated the procedures for crossing the state border. Now, men aged 18 to 22 can travel abroad without restrictions during the wartime period, applicable to all Ukrainians within that age group.
Since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, a ban has been in place preventing men of conscription age from leaving the country due to the declaration of martial law. Exceptions are made for specific categories, including students at foreign universities, volunteers, drivers, and parents of multiple children.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre reaffirmed Norway's commitment to supporting Ukrainian refugees and clarified the country's stance on the mobilization of Ukrainian men. He emphasized that decisions regarding mobilization are solely Ukraine's responsibility, while Norway focuses on creating a stable environment for those seeking refuge.