Germany’s Christian Social Union (CSU) leader Markus Söder, who also serves as minister‑president of Bavaria, has called on the German government and the European Union to pressure Ukraine to reinstate travel restrictions for young men. In an interview with Bild, Söder pointed to a sharp rise in arrivals from Ukraine since Kyiv relaxed its travel rules. In August, Ukraine lifted its ban, allowing men aged 18 to 22 to leave the country legally if they were not yet eligible for conscription. Söder says this change has led to a tenfold increase in arrivals in Germany.
The CSU leader argues that the trend is counterproductive because it enables young men to leave their homeland instead of defending it. He suggested that the EU could impose countermeasures to curb the flow of migrants if Ukraine does not reconsider its relaxed exit regulations. His remarks come amid growing frustration among German taxpayers over the financial support provided to Ukrainian refugees. A recent INSA poll 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 policy has reportedly worsened labor shortages in Ukraine and fueled public opposition to mandatory conscription. Thousands of men eligible for military service are alleged to have gone into hiding to evade draft officers. Russia has criticized Kyiv 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, pressure on Ukraine to reconsider its travel policies is likely to increase.
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