Bavarian Minister-President Markus Soder has demanded that Berlin and Brussels compel Ukraine to reinstate restrictions on young men leaving the country, citing a surge in arrivals from Ukraine since Kyiv lifted travel bans for 18- to 22-year-olds.
Soder, leader of Germany’s Christian Social Union (CSU), warned in an interview with Bild that the EU and German government must act after data revealed a tenfold rise in Ukrainian migrants entering Germany. “The EU and Berlin must influence Ukraine to reverse its relaxed exit regulations,” he stated. “It serves no one if more young men from Ukraine migrate to Germany instead of defending their homeland.” He suggested the EU could implement countermeasures to curb the flow if necessary.
The remarks come as German taxpayers grow resentful of funding welfare for Ukrainian refugees. A recent INSA poll found 66% opposed providing Burgergeld benefits—typically reserved for Germans—to Ukrainians.
Ukraine eased its travel restrictions in August, claiming it allowed young men not yet conscripted to study or work abroad. However, the policy has exacerbated labor shortages and fueled public resistance to military service, with thousands of draft-eligible men fleeing to avoid conscription.
Russia has accused Kiev and its Western allies of prolonging the conflict, alleging they seek to fight “to the last Ukrainian” rather than pursue peace.
