Merz: Germany Will Work with Ukraine to Limit Number of Draft-Age Men Seeking Refuge
Published on Reflecto News | World News | Russia-Ukraine War
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has announced that Berlin will work with Ukraine to limit the number of Ukrainian men of military age who have taken refuge in Germany, emphasizing that it is “crucial” for these men to be available to help defend their country. The statement, made during a press conference following the first full German-Ukrainian government consultations in two decades, signals a significant shift in Germany’s approach to Ukrainian refugees .
“The number of Ukrainian men who have taken refuge is something we will be working on with Ukraine to limit, because it is crucial that these men are there to help their country.” — Chancellor Friedrich Merz
The Scope of the Issue
Germany currently hosts approximately 1.2 million Ukrainian refugees, including a significant number of men of military age. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022, hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian men have left the country to avoid conscription, taking advantage of European Union rules allowing Ukrainian citizens visa-free travel and temporary protection .
Ukraine has faced persistent manpower shortages throughout the war, with military officials repeatedly calling for additional personnel to rotate exhausted front-line units and launch new offensive operations. In April 2024, Ukraine lowered its conscription age from 27 to 25 and tightened mobilization rules, but desertion and draft evasion remain significant challenges .
Germany’s Dual Role: Host and Supporter
Merz’s statement reflects Germany’s unique position as both a leading military supporter of Ukraine and the largest host of Ukrainian refugees in Europe. Germany is Ukraine’s second-largest military donor after the United States, having supplied Leopard 2 tanks, Patriot air defense systems, howitzers, and other critical equipment .
But Berlin has also been a primary destination for Ukrainians fleeing the war. The German government has provided temporary protection status, housing, financial assistance, and access to healthcare and education for over a million Ukrainians .
The chancellor’s comments suggest a growing recognition in Berlin that these two roles may be in tension. Supporting Ukraine’s defense effort means ensuring that the country has the personnel to operate the weapons Germany supplies .
‘A Question of Solidarity’
Merz framed the issue as a matter of solidarity with Ukraine. He noted that other European countries have also begun discussing how to address the number of Ukrainian men of fighting age who have left the country, and that Germany will coordinate with Ukraine on a solution .
Ukrainian officials have privately expressed frustration that hundreds of thousands of men who could be serving in the military are living abroad, enjoying European social benefits while their country is at war. In recent months, Ukraine has suspended consular services for men of military age abroad and has pressured European allies to encourage their return .
Legal and Practical Challenges
Any effort to limit Ukrainian men’s ability to remain in Germany would face significant legal and practical hurdles. Under EU temporary protection rules, all Ukrainian refugees are entitled to stay in the bloc until at least March 2026, regardless of age or gender .
Germany cannot unilaterally deport Ukrainian men of military age without violating EU law and potentially jeopardizing the visa-free regime for all Ukrainians. Any solution would require agreement at the European level and coordination with Ukraine .
A Coordinated European Approach
Merz indicated that Germany would not act alone but would work with European partners. “This is not something Germany can solve on its own,” he said. “We need a coordinated European approach that balances humanitarian obligations with Ukraine’s urgent defense needs.”
Several other European countries, including Poland and the Czech Republic, have also raised concerns about the number of Ukrainian men of fighting age residing on their territory. Poland has already stopped issuing new temporary protection permits to Ukrainian men aged 18-60 .
Ukraine’s Position
Ukrainian officials have not publicly commented on Merz’s statement, but they have long sought European support in encouraging draft-age men to return. Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov previously stated that “every man who is fit for service and outside Ukraine should understand that his country needs him.”
Ukraine has not formally requested that European countries deport draft-age men, but it has asked for cooperation in encouraging voluntary return .
What Comes Next
Merz said Germany and Ukraine would establish a working group to develop a plan for limiting the number of Ukrainian men of military age in Germany. The plan would likely include:
- Information campaigns in Germany encouraging voluntary return
- Coordination with Ukrainian authorities on mobilization procedures
- Discussions with European partners on a coordinated approach
- Potential adjustments to temporary protection policies for this specific demographic
The working group is expected to present recommendations within three months, according to a German government official who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many Ukrainian men of military age are in Germany?
Exact figures are not publicly available, but Germany hosts approximately 1.2 million Ukrainian refugees overall. A significant portion are men aged 18-60, though many may be exempt from service due to disability, family status, or other reasons .
2. Can Germany deport Ukrainian men of military age?
Deportation would be legally complicated and politically sensitive. Under current EU rules, all Ukrainian refugees are entitled to temporary protection. Any change would require EU-wide agreement .
3. Is Ukraine asking for these men to be returned?
Ukraine has not formally requested deportation, but has expressed frustration that hundreds of thousands of men of fighting age are abroad. Ukraine has suspended consular services for men abroad and encouraged voluntary return .
4. What is Germany’s role in supporting Ukraine?
Germany is Ukraine’s second-largest military donor after the United States, having supplied Leopard 2 tanks, Patriot systems, howitzers, and other critical equipment. Germany also hosts over 1 million Ukrainian refugees .
5. When will the working group report?
A German government official said the working group is expected to present recommendations within three months .
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