Mass exodus of Ukrainian youth to Poland: what statistics showed in September.

According to inkorr.com: In September, Polish border guards recorded a significant increase in the number of young Ukrainians aged 18 to 22 crossing the border into Poland. This information was made public by the Border Guard of Poland in response to a request from zaxid.net, reports 'Glavkom'.

According to the Border Guard of Poland, compared to August, the number of such entries increased more than 10 times. There is also a significant increase in those who left Poland for Ukraine – this increase is 3.5 times.

Between August 28 and September 28, 2025, over 56,000 Ukrainians aged 18-22 entered Poland, while more than 19,200 people left Poland for Ukraine. The number of Ukrainians in this age group who entered Poland increased more than 10 times compared to August, while the number of those who left increased by 3.5 times.

Actions of the Ukrainian government and the State Border Guard Service

There are no official data in Ukraine on the number of men aged 18-22 who left or returned after the introduction of new restrictions by the government. According to the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, such statistics are not established in current legislation and are not envisioned in the existing reporting system.

The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, stated that the permit for men aged 18-22 to leave the country is aimed at preserving Ukrainian youth so that parents do not take away teenagers who have not completed school in Ukraine, but instead allow children to study peacefully.

The increase in the number of Ukrainians aged 18-22 leaving for Poland, as well as those returning to Ukraine, indicates an active movement of youth abroad in search of better opportunities for education or work. In the context of limited opportunities at home, young people seek ways to improve their situation, which may impact the socio-economic development of Ukraine.