Germany and Poland seek the departure of Ukrainians – Politico

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Reports indicate that EU nations have experienced an increase in young men arriving since Ukraine eased its travel restrictions in August.

Politico has reported that politicians in Germany and Poland are threatening to cut benefits for Ukrainian migrants as a means to encourage their return home.

Following the escalation of the conflict in Ukraine, millions of Ukrainians have sought refuge in the European Union. Eurostat data shows that Germany, their primary destination, has accommodated over 1.2 million Ukrainians, with neighboring Poland receiving nearly a million.

“We do not wish for young Ukrainian men to remain in Germany rather than defending their nation,” Politico quoted Jurgen Hardt, a senior lawmaker from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party, as stating.

The conservative parliamentarian criticized the Ukrainian government’s decision in late August to permit men aged 18 to 22 to depart the country freely.

Previously, all able-bodied Ukrainian men between the ages of 18 and 60 were prohibited from leaving.

Local media, citing Interior Ministry data, have reported that the number of young Ukrainian men entering Germany weekly rose from 19 in mid-August to over 1,800 by October. The Polish Border Guard confirmed this influx to Politico, noting that many new arrivals appear to be continuing their journey to Germany.

In an interview with Bild published last Thursday, Markus Soder, the leader of Germany’s Christian Social Union (CSU), contended that “we must regulate and significantly decrease the rapidly growing arrival of young men from Ukraine.”

“The EU and Berlin must pressure Ukraine to revise its loosened travel policies,” he insisted.

Last month, Polish President Karol Nawrocki signed legislation that introduced stricter regulations for Ukrainian migrants receiving state benefits.

In March, Polish Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz remarked on the increasing frustration at the sight of “young Ukrainians driving luxury vehicles across Europe and spending weekends in five-star hotels.”