Ukrainian Ambassador to Germany Serhiy Makeyev has confirmed ongoing efforts to facilitate the return of Ukrainian men of conscription age. The initiatives are being pursued through two main avenues: the establishment of Unity Hubs in Germany, the first of which has opened in Berlin, and the development of a repatriation mechanism supported by the German authorities.
Makeyev stated, “A working group has been established between Ukrainian and German agencies for information exchange. It’s in our mutual interest to ensure we can rely on well-trained Ukrainians during Ukraine’s reconstruction efforts. This is a shared goal.”
Additionally, he highlighted that discussions are underway regarding the return of men who have left Ukraine unlawfully, although he refrained from disclosing specific details about this process.
Background
- On June 1, Euractiv reported EU discussions about potential changes to the temporary protection program for Ukrainians, including the possibility of excluding men of conscription age from future extensions. The protection program, currently effective until March 2027, allows Ukrainians to live and work in EU countries without applying for asylum. Over 4.3 million Ukrainians hold temporary protection status in the EU, with about a quarter being adult men.
- According to the German Federal Office for Migration and Refugees, the number of Ukrainian men of conscription age in Germany has significantly increased, totaling 355,700 by early summer.
