Ukrainian parliament member Bohdan Kytcak has expressed skepticism regarding the effectiveness of a proposed mechanism for the compulsory return of Ukrainian men who have illegally left the country. His comments come in response to Germany’s initiative aimed at collaborating with Ukraine to limit the stay of these individuals abroad.
Kytcak warned that such measures could inadvertently lead to a new wave of migration as individuals seek safer countries in Europe. He raised concerns about whether this approach would facilitate the mass return of the tens of thousands of men who have left Ukraine and their subsequent enlistment in the Armed Forces.
He stated, “If we attempt to forcibly return men, it’s likely that some will simply relocate from Germany to another country, resulting in a kind of migration. Will this have a significant impact on ensuring that those who left Ukraine return in large numbers and join the military? The effectiveness of this mechanism is questionable.”
The lawmaker emphasized the need to evaluate initial cases of this approach to understand its practical implications. He noted the importance of considering the motivations of these individuals and how the return process will be structured.
Kytcak remarked, “We need to observe the first instances of how this will function, its impact, and what the motivations of the individuals will be. How will a soldier returning from Germany fit into this framework? It’s a complex scenario that is difficult to predict.”
Latest Updates on the Return of Ukrainian Men from Europe
Previously, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced at a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that Berlin and Kyiv would work together to facilitate the return of Ukrainian citizens who have sought asylum in Germany. Merz supported the Ukrainian government’s decision to restrict men’s travel, asserting that it is essential for Ukraine’s defense and reconstruction efforts.
Additionally, fellow lawmaker Dmytro Razumkov commented that Europe is unlikely to forcibly expel Ukrainians who are contributing positively to local economies. However, he acknowledged that those receiving government assistance or residing illegally might be subject to return. Razumkov pointed out that Europe currently faces a labor shortage, making it unlikely that countries would willingly send these individuals back. He also noted the absence of a legal framework in Europe to compel Ukrainians to return.
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Ukrainian lawmaker Bohdan Kytcak doubts the effectiveness of Germany's proposed mechanism for the compulsory return of men who left Ukraine illegally. He warns that such measures may lead to further migration rather than facilitate their return to military service.