Ukraine has requested that the European Union (EU) exclude military-aged men from its temporary protection measures, which are set to expire in March 2027. This request comes as Ukraine faces significant manpower shortages in its military due to ongoing conflict with Russia. According to Eurostat data, as of spring 2026, approximately 4.33 million Ukrainians are living under temporary protection in the EU, including nearly one million men of fighting age. The EU is currently discussing the potential extension of this protection until 2028, with proposals expected from the European Commission in the coming weeks. Ukrainian authorities have expressed a desire for military-aged men to return from abroad, following a general mobilization that restricts men aged 18 to 60 from leaving the country. The situation has been exacerbated by chronic troop shortages and mass desertions, leading to controversial mobilization tactics. Meanwhile, several EU member states have begun to limit social programs for Ukrainian migrants, reflecting a shift in the political landscape regarding support for those fleeing the conflict.