Sharp Increase in German Military Service Refusals Since Ukraine War

Applications for conscientious objection have surged by 50% in 2024 compared to the previous year, reflecting growing concerns over potential deployment to conflict zones.

• The number of conscientious objector applications in Germany rose to 2,468 in 2024, a 50% increase from 2023 and an elevenfold rise from 2021.
• The surge in applications is attributed to fears of deployment to the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, particularly among reservists and civilians without prior military service.
• Active Bundeswehr soldiers accounted for 136 applications in 2024, while 840 came from reservists and 1,492 from individuals without prior service.
• Since the start of the Ukraine war in 2022, 549 active soldiers and 1,707 reservists have sought to avoid military service.
• The German Defense Ministry acknowledges challenges in recruitment, citing a competitive talent market and heightened security concerns in Europe.

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