Copenhagen, June 25, 2026 — The Danish government has announced a significant change to its immigration policy, ending temporary protection for Ukrainian men of conscription age in an effort to support Ukraine’s mobilization against Russia.
According to the Ministry of Immigration and Integration, men aged 23 to 60 who are not exempt from military service will no longer be eligible for residence permits under Denmark’s Special Act on Ukraine. The law, adopted in 2022 after Russia’s full-scale invasion, granted displaced Ukrainians the right to temporary residence in Denmark.
“Denmark stands shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine in its fight for freedom. Our residence rules are not intended to be used to avoid mobilisation in defence of Ukraine. This undermines Ukraine’s military efforts and weakens its ability to defend itself against Russian attacks,” said Immigration Minister Morten Bødskov.
Key Details
- Existing permits unaffected: Ukrainians who already hold residence permits under the Special Act will retain their status.
- Monitoring continues: The government stated it will “continuously analyse” whether further changes to the Special Act are necessary.
- Current figures: As of May 2026, approximately 47,600 displaced Ukrainians were living in Denmark under the Special Act.
Background
The move comes as the European Union prepares to decide on the future of Ukrainian refugee status in July 2026, with a fallback decision expected in September. The EU’s Temporary Protection Directive, introduced in March 2022, has already been extended multiple times and currently runs until March 4, 2027. The directive has provided millions of Ukrainians across Europe with access to housing, healthcare, and employment without overwhelming national asylum systems.
Denmark’s decision reflects growing pressure across Europe to balance humanitarian commitments with Ukraine’s urgent need for manpower in its armed forces.
