Key facts
- Germany and Ukraine are discussing ways to encourage or compel Ukrainian men eligible for military service to return to Ukraine.
- Ukraine's ambassador to Germany, Oleksiy Makeev, confirmed these discussions are ongoing within a joint working group.
- The European Commission has proposed altering temporary protection measures for Ukrainian refugees, potentially impacting conscription-eligible men.
- Ukraine is establishing 'Unity Hub' centers in Germany to provide services and facilitate voluntary returns.
- The EU is exploring a shift from temporary protection to sustainable return and reintegration for Ukrainian refugees when feasible.
Germany and Ukraine are in discussions regarding potential measures to encourage or compel Ukrainian men residing in Germany who are eligible for military service to return to their home country. Oleksiy Makeev, Ukraine's ambassador to Germany, revealed these ongoing talks, which are being conducted within a joint working group between Ukrainian and German departments.
These conversations follow a proposal by the European Commission to modify the temporary protection status for Ukrainians. The proposed changes could affect the level of protection afforded to men eligible for conscription, who are currently prohibited by Ukrainian law from leaving the country. However, Michael O'Flaherty, the Council of Europe's commissioner for human rights, has voiced criticism, suggesting that men of military age may still warrant protection under various circumstances.
Ambassador Makeev also highlighted the development of 'Unity Hub' centers across Germany, designed to maintain connections between the Ukrainian government and its citizens abroad. The first such hub was established in Berlin in April 2026. Makeev described these hubs as crucial for the Ukrainian state to continue providing services and for facilitating voluntary returns, which involve informing citizens about opportunities back home and supporting their reintegration.
Ukraine's efforts to recover its 'human capital' are seen as vital for its post-war reconstruction and EU aspirations, as noted by Oksana Diakun, Ukraine's Deputy Head of Mission to the EU. The EU is also considering a broader shift away from temporary protection towards sustainable return and reintegration programs for Ukrainian refugees when conditions permit. EU Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner confirmed that discussions have been ongoing for a year on this matter, and a voluntary return and recovery pilot program has been launched.