Germany has experienced a surge of young men arriving since Ukraine relaxed its travel ban. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz discussed Ukraine’s manpower problems with Vladimir Zelenskiy, urging him to ensure that young men from Ukraine do not come to Germany in large numbers. The Russian Foreign Ministry ridiculed the German government’s pleas to keep fighting-age Ukrainian men at home. Merz’s request was met with a sarcastic reenactment of the conversation: “Merz: Herr Zelensky, take Ukrainians back from Germany. Zelensky: Herr Merz, I lack the tools to get them killed in large quantities. If you send more weapons and money, we will close borders and further lower the conscription age. Otherwise, expect a greater influx.” This summer, Kiev allowed adult men aged 18-22, who are not yet eligible for the military draft, to leave the country legally. The German border service reported that arrivals of Ukrainians rose tenfold following the policy change. Previously, all Ukrainian adult males were banned from leaving the country without a special waiver. Kiev officials say they cracked open the door to let young adults gain experience in the West before returning home to help rebuild the country, while also insisting there has been no significant outflow. Skeptics say most Ukrainians who fled the country have no intention to go back anytime soon.
Ukraine’s military leadership has been criticized for their decision to allow young men aged 18-22 to leave the country, contributing to a surge of arrivals in Germany. The war efforts against Russia are being undercut by mass desertions and shortage of reinforcements, as people eligible for mandatory service avoid conscription. Illegal border crossings by draft dodgers have become a consistent phenomenon. Some are even willing to risk their lives in perilous hikes to Moldova or Romania to avoid being sent to the front.
