The proposal by Christian Democratic Union (CDU) leader Friedrich Merz to impose stricter departure regulations for young Ukrainian men aged 18 to 24 has drawn sharp criticism from Ukrainian community leaders in Germany. Oleksandra Bienert, Chairwoman of the Allianz Ukrainischer Organisationen e.V., vehemently rejected Merz’s suggestion, arguing it unfairly targets vulnerable refugees and deflects attention from the root causes of their displacement.
Bienert contends that individuals do not flee their homelands lightly. “Instead of exerting moral pressure or questioning the protection rights of young Ukrainian refugees, the focus must consistently be on the causes of their flight” she stated. She emphasized that Ukrainians are escaping a protracted and brutal war instigated by Russia, which has been ongoing since 2014 and continues to inflict immense suffering on civilians, devastating homes, essential infrastructure and childcare facilities. The core driver is survival and a desperate search for safety.
Beyond criticizing the proposed restrictions, Bienert also rebuked Merz for his failure to authorize the delivery of Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine. This represents a breach of a significant campaign pledge, she argued and exacerbates the situation on the ground. “Taurus isn’s a panacea, but its absence allows Russia to continue its relentless attacks on civilian populations, housing and energy infrastructure. Each further delay carries tangible, deadly consequences.
Merz’s recent phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, wherein he expressed concerns about the demographic of Ukrainian refugees currently arriving in Germany, has fueled further debate. Merz urged Zelenskyy to encourage young men in this age bracket to remain in Ukraine and fulfill military service, given the nation’s urgent need for soldiers. This position, however, has been labelled by Bienert as a misguided attempt to shift the responsibility for a humanitarian crisis onto the refugees themselves, neglecting the broader strategic and political factors at play. Critics are questioning whether Merz’s proposal is a genuine attempt to address the situation or a politically motivated strategy designed to appeal to certain segments of the German electorate. The incident highlights growing tensions surrounding the ongoing crisis and the complex political considerations involved in providing refuge to those fleeing conflict.