Merz wants to facilitate their return home
Germany will limit the number of Ukrainian men seeking asylum in the country and promote their return home.
As reported by RBC-Ukraine, this was stated by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz during a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
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“We will closely cooperate (with Ukraine – ed.) on issues concerning Ukrainian citizens who have sought asylum in our country, and we will facilitate their return home,” he emphasized.
Merz added that Berlin and Kyiv will collaborate on limiting the number of Ukrainian men seeking asylum in Germany.
“It is extremely important for these men to be on the ground and help their country,” said the German Chancellor.
Zelensky noted that the relevant services of Ukraine and Germany should address the issue of illegal departures of Ukrainian men abroad.
“As for young people abroad. These are different young people. I agree with you regarding those who are of mobilization age, who went abroad temporarily, but it turned out to be for years, and those who left in violation of the law, our respective services in both countries should deal with this issue,” he said.
The President emphasized that the Armed Forces of Ukraine would like these men to return, as Ukrainian soldiers need rotation.
Photo: Volodymyr Zelensky made a statement regarding male refugees (infographic RBC-Ukraine)
“Our Armed Forces would like them to return because there is a question of justice. Our people at the front need rotation. Although our soldiers are resilient, they have families. Each citizen must bear responsibility,” Zelensky stated.
He added that there are also other young people abroad who are not of mobilization age and have the right to be there.
We remind you that Europe is currently revising its approach to temporary protection for Ukrainians. The idea of completely ending it after March 2027 has already been abandoned, but a new format is being discussed.
In addition, Norway is changing the rules for men from Ukraine. From now on, newly arrived men aged 18 to 60 will not automatically receive temporary collective protection.
