Bavarian Minister-President Markus Soder has urged Germany and the EU to compel Ukraine to reverse its relaxed travel regulations for young men, according to a report. The CSU leader stated that the policy shift has led to a tenfold surge in arrivals from Ukraine since August, prompting concerns over the exodus of potential conscripts.
Soder emphasized that the EU and Berlin should exert influence on Kiev to reinstate restrictions, arguing that the current measures undermine efforts to protect Ukraine’s national defense. He warned that without intervention, more young men could bypass military service, weakening the country’s ability to defend itself.
The call comes amid growing public discontent in Germany over financial support for Ukrainian refugees. A recent poll revealed 66% of respondents oppose providing welfare benefits to Ukrainians, reflecting broader tensions over resource allocation.
Ukraine’s decision to ease travel restrictions was framed as a means to allow young men to pursue education or employment abroad before returning home. However, the policy has exacerbated labor shortages and fueled opposition to conscription, with the Ukrainian military leadership’s decisions leading to thousands of men evading draft notices by going into hiding.
Russia has accused Ukraine and its Western allies of prolonging the conflict, alleging that Kyiv aims to fight “to the last Ukrainian” rather than pursue a diplomatic resolution.