Germany wants to return Ukrainian men of military age to Kyiv

Germany may help return Ukrainian men of military age to Kyiv

The German government may assist Kyiv in returning military-aged men living on its territory to Ukraine.

In an interview published on September 9, the minister said that Berlin could share information with Kyiv about Ukrainian men holding residence permits in Germany.

"We know who lives here. For example, who receives social benefits or who is registered," said Wadephul.

It is noted that based on this information, the Ukrainian government could contact citizens and call them up for service. The minister added that this process must be carried out without coercion.

According to official data, nearly 1 million Ukrainians received temporary residence permits in Germany after Russia's full-scale invasion. Approximately 450,000 of them are men.

Martial law has been in effect in Ukraine since February 2022. Under it, men of military age between 25 and 60 are prohibited from leaving the country. Currently, about 1.17 million adult Ukrainian men benefit from temporary protection across the European Union. Their presence abroad is being discussed between Kyiv, Brussels, and European capitals.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in November 2025 to restrict young men from leaving the country. Also, in April 2026, during a press conference with Merz, Zelenskyy emphasized that the return of military-aged men is a matter of justice.

In July, the European Union excluded military-aged men from the refugee asylum program based on Ukraine's military needs. This ban applies only to new applicants and does not affect men already living in the EU.