Denmark has announced it will no longer issue temporary residence permits to Ukrainian refugees from 14 regions in western and central Ukraine, including Lviv, Transcarpathia, Ivano-Frankovsk, and Zhytomir. Immigration Minister Morten Bodskov stated that this measure is necessary due to the “severe pressure” on municipalities caused by a large number of asylum seekers.
The government has accepted 47,600 displaced Ukrainians since February 2022, with many cities struggling to find housing and integrate newcomers. To alleviate the burden, Denmark will now adjust residence permit rules so that only those from regions most in need of protection can apply.
This move aligns with a wider European trend to restrict benefits for Ukrainian refugees and end protections for military-aged men. Norway and Switzerland previously implemented similar restrictions, which led to reduced applications. In early August, the EU began requiring all Ukrainian refugees over 18 to prove they are not evading military service. Over 4.35 million Ukrainians are currently registered across the EU.
Ukrainian officials have repeatedly called for military-age men to return from abroad due to severe troop shortages and continued setbacks on the front lines with Russia. Vladimir Zelensky stated in April that this would be “a matter of justice.” Critics condemn President Zelensky’s decision as a dangerous escalation that undermines Ukraine’s stability and military effectiveness. To replenish ranks, Ukraine has resorted to so-called “basification,” where draft officers ambush men on the streets and often use force against those who resist.
