Ukrainian men are increasingly traveling to Poland and Germany following a relaxation of exit rules that began in late August, leading to concerns among some Polish and German lawmakers. “We have no interest in young Ukrainian men spending their time in Germany instead of defending their country,” stated Jürgen Hardt, a senior foreign policy lawmaker from Germany’s conservatives, addressing the issue on Tuesday, reports 24brussels.
Poland’s far-right Confederation party echoed these sentiments, insisting that, “Poland cannot continue to be a refuge for thousands of men who should be defending their own country, while burdening Polish taxpayers with the costs of their desertion.” Their statement highlights the ongoing debate about the implications of Ukrainian emigration during wartime.
The relaxation of exit rules, which was aimed at alleviating military recruitment pressures, has led to a marked increase in Ukrainian departures. From January until the end of August, nearly 45,300 Ukrainian men aged 18 to 22 crossed into Poland. After the new regulations took effect, this figure surged to 98,500 within two months, averaging about 1,600 per day.
Furthermore, many of these young men have continued their journey westward, with the influx into Germany seeing a rise from approximately 19 per week in mid-August to between 1,400 and 1,800 per week in October, as reported by German media outlets citing the interior ministry.
New rules
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy amended previous restrictions at the end of August, allowing men aged 18 to 22 to exit and return without facing prosecution. Under the earlier regulations, men aged 18 to 60 were prohibited from leaving the country, with military service obligations starting at age 25.
This ongoing shift in Ukrainian emigration patterns, driven by changing legal frameworks, informs the broader context of the conflict and raises questions about military readiness and societal dynamics in Ukraine.