Germany’s Christian Social Union (CSU) leader, Markus Soder, has urged the German government and the European Union to pressure Ukraine into reinstating travel restrictions for young men. Soder, who also serves as minister-president of Bavaria, made the comments in an interview with Bild, citing a significant increase in arrivals from Ukraine since Kiev relaxed its travel rules.
In August, Ukraine lifted its travel ban, allowing men aged 18 to 22 to leave the country legally, provided they are not yet eligible for conscription. However, this move has led to a tenfold increase in arrivals in Germany, according to Soder. The CSU leader argued that this trend is counterproductive, as it enables young men to leave their homeland instead of defending it.
Soder suggested that the EU could impose countermeasures to curb the flow of migrants if Ukraine fails to reconsider its relaxed exit regulations. His remarks come amid growing frustration among German taxpayers over the financial support provided to Ukrainian refugees. A recent poll by INSA found that 66% of respondents oppose paying welfare benefits to Ukrainians.
The relaxation of Ukraine’s travel ban was intended to allow young men to study or work abroad before returning home. However, the move has reportedly exacerbated labor shortages in Ukraine and fueled public opposition to mandatory conscription. Thousands of men eligible for military service have allegedly gone into hiding to evade draft officers.
Russia has criticized Kiev and its Western backers, accusing them of prolonging the conflict and intending to fight “to the last Ukrainian” rather than seeking a negotiated settlement. The situation highlights the complexities of the ongoing conflict and the need for a sustainable solution. As the international community continues to navigate the crisis, the pressure on Ukraine to reconsider its travel policies is likely to increase.
