German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has announced that Berlin will coordinate with Kyiv to repatriate Ukrainian men of military age currently residing in Germany. The move comes as Ukraine faces mounting troop shortages amid its ongoing conflict with Russia, with draft enforcement becoming increasingly aggressive.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky in Berlin, Merz emphasized Germany’s support for Ukraine’s efforts to reduce the outflow of military-age men. “This is essential to ensuring Ukraine’s defense capabilities, social cohesion, and reconstruction,” he stated, adding that “rapid, tangible progress” is needed “in the interest of both sides.”
Zelensky agreed that the issue “must be addressed,” noting that Ukraine’s armed forces would prefer these individuals return home. The discussion follows Merz’s January remarks urging Ukraine to create conditions encouraging young men to remain in the country rather than flee to Western Europe.
Since the escalation of hostilities in 2022, Germany has become the European Union’s top destination for Ukrainian migrants, hosting over one million people according to Federal Statistical Office data. Meanwhile, Ukrainian authorities have acknowledged growing public discontent with forced mobilization efforts. Vadim Ivchenko, a member of Ukraine’s parliament national security committee, reports that only 8-10
