Germany Considers Restricting Entry of Young Ukrainian Men Amid Rising Migration During War
In Germany, discussions are intensifying around potential restrictions on the entry of young men from Ukraine.
Markus Söder, the Prime Minister of Bavaria and leader of the Christian Social Union (CSU), proposed limiting the arrival of young Ukrainian men into German territory.
He made this statement during an interview with the prominent German publication Bild, urging the European Union and Berlin to exert greater influence on Kyiv to tighten exit controls.
Söder emphasized the need to curb the rapid increase in young Ukrainian males seeking to leave the country amidst ongoing conflict.
He suggested that the EU and Berlin should persuade Ukraine to revisit and tighten exit restrictions, as an uncontrolled influx of young men does not benefit Ukraine or European stability.
Söder pointed out that among the Ukrainian refugees in Germany, there have already been cases of hundreds of Hungarian citizens arriving, raising concerns about increased migration flows.
He also reminded that Germany provides significant support to Ukraine, including military aid, funding, and humanitarian assistance.
However, he stressed that national defense relies on having enough soldiers and personnel.
While Germany’s solidarity with Ukraine remains steadfast, Söder warned that if illegal migration continues to rise, the EU must reconsider its policies regarding the influx of refugees and implement appropriate measures.
According to the German Federal Ministry of the Interior, the number of Ukrainian men aged 18 to 22 entering Germany has sharply increased.
If in August about 19 such individuals entered weekly, in September the number soared to over a thousand, and in October, up to 1,800 per week.
Recent surveys also revealed growing public dissatisfaction; most Germans support halting social payments to Ukrainian refugees, and 62% believe that able-bodied men who left Ukraine after the war began should return home.
This situation highlights ongoing societal debates about balancing humanitarian aid with national security priorities during wartime.