Germany proposes sharing data on military-age men with Ukraine for their voluntary return

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said that Berlin is ready to help Ukraine bring back men of military age living in the country — but exclusively “without coercion.”

He said this in an interview with Bild.

Wadephul agreed with the position of Christian Social Union leader Markus Söder, who insists that Ukrainian men of military age residing in Germany should return to their homeland.

According to the minister, the German government holds registration data on such men and can share this information with the Ukrainian side.

“After all, it is known who lives here, who, for example, receives social benefits or who is registered here and has a residence status,” Wadephul explained.

On the basis of this data, he said, the Ukrainian government could send letters to men residing in Germany urging them to return.

“I believe this issue can and should be raised,” the minister said.

At the same time, Wadephul particularly stressed that the return must take place “without coercion.”

At the end of July, the European Union extended temporary protection for Ukrainians until March 4, 2028. At the same time, a new provision was introduced: newly arrived Ukrainian citizens of military age will be able to claim this status only if they have no issues with their military registration documents.