Merz said that it is time for Ukrainian men in Germany to go home

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced that the country will limit the number of Ukrainian men seeking asylum and will assist them in returning to their homeland. 

He made this statement during a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. According to the chancellor, Berlin and Kyiv will cooperate closely on this issue, as it is extremely important for these citizens to remain in their home country and help their nation.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that the relevant agencies of both countries must jointly address the issue of Ukrainians of draft age who have left the country in violation of the law. The President emphasized that the Armed Forces of Ukraine need these men to return to ensure rotation and restore fairness for soldiers on the front lines. He stressed that every person, as a citizen, must bear responsibility, while acknowledging the right of young people not subject to mobilization to remain abroad.

This decision is motivated by the need for human resources to defend Ukraine amid the ongoing aggression by the Russian Federation. The German side confirmed its readiness to implement mechanisms that will encourage men to return. Interagency cooperation will primarily concern those individuals who have been in Germany for a long time without proper legal grounds or in violation of Ukrainian rules on leaving the country during martial law.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Berlin on April 14.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz officially confirmed support for Kyiv’s European integration aspirations, emphasizing the fundamental importance of this step for the stability of the entire continent.