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German Leaders Seek to Limit New Ukrainian Arrivals After Recent Surge

Berlin plans to scale back benefits, with officials linking the increase to Ukraine’s move allowing men aged 18–22 to leave.

Overview

  • Saxony’s premier Michael Kretschmer called for intake limits and said he will raise the issue at the December 4 Conference of Minister-Presidents.
  • Kretschmer tied the rise in arrivals to Kyiv’s August 28 regulation permitting men aged 18–22 to travel abroad during martial law.
  • Chancellor Friedrich Merz urged President Volodymyr Zelensky to halt the outflow to Germany, saying Ukrainians should serve their country.
  • Merz confirmed federal plans to cut support for Ukrainian arrivals, saying they will no longer be eligible for citizens’ benefits.
  • Ukrainian media and social networks reported queues at border crossings, and UN data indicate about 6.7 million people have left Ukraine since February 2022.