Mass Departures Shake Ukrainian Logistics Company
On September 10, 2025, a leading logistics company in Drohobych, Lviv Oblast, reported the departure of over 170 employees aged 18 to 22 in just 10 days, according to DROBRO. This wave of exits comes after the Ukrainian parliament passed a law granting young men and women of military age the right to leave the country for work, effectively lifting previous travel restrictions that were in place due to ongoing national security concerns.
Company Response and Workforce Impact
Co-founder Volodymyr Poperechnyuk described the departures as “significant but manageable,” noting that 64 new hires partially offset the losses, leaving a net reduction of 106 employees. The company had previously planned a workforce downsizing of roughly 2,900 staff, under 10% of the total. While the recent departures exceed initial projections, management emphasized that operations continue uninterrupted, though they are revising recruitment and retention strategies in response.
Poperechnyuk added: “This is not just a number on a chart. It’s a wake-up call for businesses across Ukraine. If we want to retain talent, wages and working conditions must improve. Young people now have real choices, and we must compete for their skills.”
Legal Shift Empowers Youth Mobility
The new law, enacted earlier this year, allows citizens aged 18–22 to travel abroad for work without requiring special permits previously needed for military-age individuals. The measure was designed to balance national defense obligations with the need for economic opportunities for young Ukrainians. Analysts suggest the policy could have long-term effects on the labor market, as companies adapt to increased employee mobility.
Economic and Social Implications
Experts note that this exodus reflects broader labor market pressures. Ukraine faces demographic challenges, with a shrinking workforce in certain sectors compounded by emigration trends. The logistics sector, which relies heavily on young, mobile workers, is particularly vulnerable to sudden shifts.
Dmytro Kovalchuk, an economist at Lviv Economic Institute, commented: “We are seeing a structural change in labor dynamics. Young workers are exercising newfound freedom, and companies must adapt quickly or risk losing talent. This trend is likely to accelerate unless wages and conditions are competitive.”
Human Stories Behind the Numbers
Among those leaving, many cite opportunities for higher pay and international experience. Olena, a 21-year-old delivery coordinator, explained: “I love my job, but I want to explore opportunities abroad. It’s not about leaving Ukraine forever; it’s about gaining experience and financial stability.” Stories like hers illustrate that the departures are not solely about economic necessity but also personal growth and mobility.
Looking Ahead
While the company and others are implementing retention strategies, the recent wave of departures may foreshadow a long-term labor shift. Analysts expect more young Ukrainians to take advantage of legal travel rights, which could impact not only logistics but hospitality, IT, and manufacturing sectors. Companies that proactively adjust recruitment, offer competitive wages, and invest in workplace conditions are more likely to retain talent in this evolving landscape.