In a recent communication, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to take measures that would prevent the mass exodus of young Ukrainian men to Germany, emphasizing the necessity for them to remain and defend their homeland.
During a detailed telephone conversation on Thursday, Merz stated,
“In a lengthy telephone conversation today, I asked the Ukrainian president to ensure that young men in particular from Ukraine do not come to Germany in large numbers — in increasing numbers — but that they serve their country. They are needed there.”
This appeal arises amidst rising apprehensions in Germany, especially among Merz’s conservative supporters, regarding the potential decline in public backing for Ukraine. It is feared that if young Ukrainian men are perceived as evading military duties by relocating to Germany, it could erode support for the Ukrainian cause.
Increase in Ukrainian male arrivals
The recent easing of Ukrainian exit regulations has led to a significant increase in young Ukrainian men aged 18 to 22 entering Germany. Reports from German media, citing the interior ministry, indicate that these numbers surged from 19 per week in mid-August to between 1,400 and 1,800 per week by October.
In light of these developments, Markus Söder, the conservative premier of Bavaria and an ally of Merz, has suggested that restrictions be imposed on the EU’s Temporary Protection Directive unless Ukraine voluntarily curtails the influx. This directive grants automatic protected status to Ukrainians seeking refuge.
Political implications and welfare concerns
Germany stands as a prominent ally of Ukraine within the European Union, having welcomed over 1.2 million Ukrainian refugees since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. The country ranks as the second-largest donor of military aid to Ukraine, following the United States.
Nevertheless, members of Merz’s coalition are increasingly concerned that the rising number of young Ukrainian men in Germany could become a contentious political issue, particularly as the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, which is gaining traction in polls, continues to criticize the government’s unwavering support for Ukraine. The AfD has been vocal about its demand to halt welfare payments to Ukrainians.
Data from Germany’s employment agency reveals that approximately 490,000 working-age Ukrainian citizens are currently receiving long-term unemployment benefits. Under growing fiscal pressure, Merz’s coalition is reportedly drafting legislation aimed at limiting these benefits for Ukrainians to encourage employment.
Merz remarked,
“In Germany, the transfer payments for these refugees will be such that the incentives to work are greater than the incentives in the transfer system.”
Additionally, during the same conversation with Zelenskyy, Merz addressed the pressing issue of corruption within Ukraine, urging the president to tackle the country’s corruption challenges. This comes in the wake of a significant scandal involving kickbacks, which German officials worry could further jeopardize public support for Ukraine.