Germany intends to limit the number of Ukrainian men seeking asylum. The plan is to facilitate the return of refugees home so they can help their country.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz made this statement during a joint press conference with Volodymyr Zelenskyy on April 14.
According to Merz, Berlin and Kyiv will cooperate on issues concerning Ukrainian citizens residing in Germany.
“We will work closely together on issues concerning Ukrainian citizens who have sought asylum in our country and will facilitate their return home,” Merz said.
Ukraine and Germany will work to limit the number of Ukrainian men seeking asylum in Germany.
“It is extremely important that these men remain in the country and help their country,” said Merz.
According to Zelenskyy, the relevant agencies in Ukraine and Germany should address the issue of men leaving the country illegally.
“As for young people abroad. These are different young people; I agree with you regarding those who are of draft age, who went abroad temporarily but ended up staying for years, and those who left in violation of the law—our relevant agencies in both countries must address this issue,” he said.
The President emphasized that the Ukrainian military needs rotation and would like these citizens to return.
“Our Armed Forces would like them to return because the issue of justice must be addressed. Our people on the front lines need rotation. Although our soldiers are tough, they have families. Every citizen must bear this responsibility,” Zelenskyy noted.
At the same time, he noted that there are also young people abroad who are not of draft age but have the right to be there.