Ukraine faces ‘huge problems’ finding soldiers as men flee abroad, says Kyiv mayor

**Ukraine Faces Worsening Soldier Shortage as Young Men Flee to Europe, Kyiv Mayor Warns**

*By Martina Sapio and Jan Philipp Burgard | Politico | November 12, 2025*

Ukraine is confronting a growing shortage of soldiers as record numbers of men leave the country for Europe, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko revealed in a recent interview. Speaking to the Axel Springer Global Reporters Network, of which POLITICO is a part, Klitschko highlighted the severe strain that nearly four years of conflict have imposed on Ukraine’s human resources.

“We have huge problems with soldiers with human resources,” Klitschko said, acknowledging the country’s diminishing capacity to replenish its military ranks amid relentless Russian advances. He likened the Russian assaults to a “computer game” where the enemy “just keep coming, they don’t care about fallen soldiers.”

Currently, Ukrainian mobilization laws allow for conscription starting at age 25. However, Klitschko suggested lowering the minimum age. “In the past, 18-year-olds served in the army but those are kids,” he explained. “Right now you can only be mobilized in Ukraine from age 25. You could lower it by a year or two to 23 or 22.”

These comments come amid rising concerns over an exodus of young men from Ukraine. A government decree issued in August permits men aged 18 to 22 to leave the country, a policy that has coincided with a sharp increase in Ukrainians seeking protection within the European Union.

Recent figures show that EU countries granted more than 79,000 new temporary protection decisions to Ukrainians in September — the highest monthly total in two years. Significant increases were recorded in Germany and Poland, reflecting the continued impact of conflict on Ukrainian demographics.

*Read more at [politico.eu](https://www.politico.eu).*

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**Topics:** Military / Veterans
**Keywords:** callingallzeepers

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