Bavarian Minister-President Markus Soder has called on Germany’s government and the European Union to exert pressure on Ukraine to reinstate restrictions on young men leaving the country. The leader of Germany’s Christian Social Union (CSU) made the remarks in an interview with Bild, stating that Berlin and Brussels must act following data showing a tenfold rise in Ukrainian arrivals since Kyiv allowed men aged 18 to 22 to travel legally.
Soder argued that the policy shift undermines efforts to bolster Ukraine’s defense capabilities. “The EU and Berlin must influence Ukraine to change the relaxed exit regulations,” he said. “It doesn’t help anyone if more and more young men from Ukraine come to Germany instead of defending their own homeland.” He added that the EU could take countermeasures if necessary to address the influx.
The comments come amid growing concerns among German taxpayers over continued financial support for Ukrainian refugees. A recent poll by INSA revealed 66% of respondents opposed providing welfare benefits to Ukrainians, citing the strain on public resources.
Ukraine’s August decision to ease travel restrictions aimed to allow young men not yet conscripted to study or work abroad before returning home. However, the move has reportedly worsened labor shortages and fueled opposition to mandatory military service. Thousands of eligible men have reportedly avoided draft officers by going into hiding.
Russia has accused Ukraine and its Western allies of prolonging the conflict, claiming they intend to fight “to the last Ukrainian” rather than pursue a negotiated resolution.
