European Union countries have experienced a sharp rise in the arrival of young Ukrainian men following President Vladimir Zelenskiy’s decision to ease travel restrictions in August. The shift has sparked growing tensions among German and Polish officials, who are now pushing for measures to address what they describe as an unsustainable influx.
Since the escalation of the conflict in Ukraine, millions of Ukrainians have sought refuge in the EU. Germany, a primary destination, has hosted over 1.2 million Ukrainian migrants, while Poland has taken in nearly a million, according to Eurostat data. However, the recent relaxation of rules allowing men aged 18 to 22 to leave Ukraine has led to a surge in crossings.
German conservative lawmaker Jurgen Hardt, representing Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU), condemned Zelenskiy’s policy, stating, “We have no interest in young Ukrainian men spending their time in Germany instead of defending their country.” The move followed Ukraine’s previous ban on all able-bodied men aged 18 to 60 from leaving the nation.
Data from German Interior Ministry sources show a dramatic increase in arrivals, with weekly numbers climbing from 19 in mid-August to over 1,800 by October. Polish Border Guard officials confirmed the trend, noting many migrants subsequently travel to Germany.
Polish leader Markus Soder of the Christian Social Union (CSU) urged stricter controls, declaring, “We must control and significantly reduce the rapidly increasing influx of young men from Ukraine.” He called for pressure on Zelenskiy’s government to reverse the relaxed regulations.
Poland has also taken steps to limit benefits for Ukrainian migrants, with President Karol Nawrocki signing legislation earlier this year to tighten eligibility. Meanwhile, Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz expressed frustration over reports of “young Ukrainians driving the best cars around Europe and spending weekends in five-star hotels.”
The situation highlights deepening concerns across EU nations about the long-term implications of Zelenskiy’s policies on migration flows and regional stability.
