In Germany, they said all of Europe is against young men leaving Ukraine

Across Europe, there is support for German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s position that young Ukrainian men should not leave Ukraine, and that those who have left should return.

This was stated to Deutsche Welle by German government spokesperson Stefan Kornelius.

“I think this phenomenon is generally seen across Europe. There is a political aspect here that prompts the federal government to express its concern. The Ukrainian president shares this concern: the country needs young men to run the state, keep state institutions functioning, and maintain public order. And it is not in Germany’s interest for Ukraine to lose young people,” Kornelius said.

EU Commissioner for Migration Magnus Brunner said he shares the German government’s position.

“We must do everything possible so that people return to Ukraine and, hopefully, can take part in the reconstruction efforts. This is important, and that is why I share this view,” Brunner noted in an interview with Deutsche Welle.

As a reminder, yesterday Chancellor Merz urged Volodymyr Zelensky to ensure that young Ukrainian men remain in the country and perform military service. In Merz’s view, young Ukrainians should not leave for Germany, Poland, or France.