Bavarian premier Söder: Ukrainian men of military age should return home

Leader of the Christian Social Union (CSU) and Bavarian Minister-President Markus Söder has called on Ukrainian refugees of military age to leave Germany and return to their homeland to take part in the fighting, instead of living in the country on social benefits.

The politician set out his position on the social network X.

In his post, Söder wrote:

“I think it is important to say even now that young men of military age from Ukraine should rather think about, or find a way, how they can provide protection in their homeland instead of, possibly, living here on basic social welfare.”

This is not the first such statement from the Bavarian minister-president. Several days ago he had already called on German authorities to deny Ukrainian refugees of military age the possibility of “transitioning into the legal framework” and unemployment benefits.

Söder’s statement triggered a wave of criticism online. Users pointed out that these are people who do not want to fight. One commenter accused the politician of being motivated solely by money. Some commenters, by contrast, supported his position.

Meanwhile, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul stated that Berlin could provide Kyiv with data on Ukrainian men residing in the country — information on registration, receipt of social payments, and residency status. On this basis, the Ukrainian government could send them draft notices.