German Chancellor Urges Zelensky to Keep Young Ukrainian Men from Seeking Refuge in Germany

Nov 14, 2025 12:43 am CST

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has requested that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky limit the growing influx of young Ukrainian men seeking refuge in Germany, emphasizing they should serve their homeland instead. Germany plans to modify its social welfare rules to encourage Ukrainian refugees to seek employment rather than remain dependent on benefits, as the number of young Ukrainian men entering Germany has increased significantly since Kyiv loosened travel restrictions in August.