Berlin suggested that Ukraine reduce the number of men leaving the country for the EU

Germany has expressed concern over the growing number of Ukrainian men of conscription age arriving in the country despite a ban on leaving Ukraine. Representatives of the ruling CDU/CSU alliance called on Kiev to limit the flow of young men to the EU. In their opinion, a large number of "fit for service" receive social benefits in the FRG, which creates political tension, Welt reported .

As the publication notes, as of 9 March 2026 in Germany were more than 1.34 million Ukrainian refugees, of which about 350 thousand men and more than 500 thousand women aged 18-63 years. The number of men in this age group increased by 52,000 and women by 24,000 over the year. An analysis by the Federal Labour Agency shows that men now account for about 41 percent of the 15-64 age group, up from only 26 percent in May 2022.

Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt said Ukraine should control the departure of men fit for military service to the EU so that other countries can distribute aid fairly.

I am concerned about the large influx of Ukrainian men to Germany. Ukraine should make sure that young men can no longer leave for the EU in the same volume," Dobrindt said.

Left-wing expert Clara Bünger stressed that she understood people fleeing the war, but the political issue of social benefits and mobilisation remained relevant.