Discontent growing in Poland and Germany over influx of young men from Ukraine

Politico writes that despite generally favorable attitudes toward Ukrainians, the new wave of arrivals has become a convenient topic for far-right parties, which are exploiting it for their own benefit. The discussion is only intensifying, the journalists believe.

In Germany, members of Chancellor Friedrich Merz's conservative coalition warn that while the country will continue accepting Ukrainians, public support could wane if men of draft age are seen as avoiding service.

"We have no interest in young Ukrainian men spending their time in Germany instead of defending their country," said conservative lawmaker Jürgen Hardt.

In Poland, the radical Confederation party stated that the country "cannot continue to be a refuge for thousands of men who should be defending their own country, while burdening Polish taxpayers with the costs of their desertion."

According to Polish border guards, from the start of 2025 to the end of August, 45,300 Ukrainian men aged 18-22 entered Poland. After the easing of exit rules, that number rose to 98,500 over two months — about 1,600 per day. In Germany, the number of young men in this age group increased from 19 per week in August to 1,400-1,800 per week in October, German media reported citing the Interior Ministry.

Eurostat data shows 1.2 million Ukrainians now live in Germany and nearly 1 million in Poland — more than half of all Ukrainians with temporary protection in the EU. Politico adds that about 490,000 working-age Ukrainians receive long-term unemployment benefits.

Politico notes that Merz's coalition, seeking to cut social spending, is preparing a bill that could restrict Ukrainians' access to such payments. However, the Social Democrats from the SPD, part of the government, are not rushing.

On Oct. 24, it was reported that Bavarian state Premier Markus Söder called for limiting entry of young Ukrainian men arriving in Germany.

An INSA public opinion poll shows most Germans oppose paying Bürgergeld benefits to Ukrainian refugees and want draft-age Ukrainians returned home.