German chancellor urges young Ukrainian men to remain and serve their country

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has publicly urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to ensure that young Ukrainian men remain in their homeland rather than seeking refuge in Germany. During a Thursday business summit in Berlin, the conservative leader revealed he had directly communicated this position to the Ukrainian president, stating that young male refugees should serve their country where they are "needed" rather than relocating to Germany.

Policy Shift on Refugee Benefits

The chancellor simultaneously announced forthcoming changes to Germany's social welfare system for Ukrainian refugees, designed to increase incentives for employment over welfare dependency. Merz indicated that new arrivals after April 1, 2025, would receive benefits under asylum seeker legislation rather than Germany's standard Bürgergeld unemployment assistance, resulting in substantially reduced payment amounts intended to encourage workforce participation.

Labor Ministry Draft Legislation

According to draft legislation prepared by the Labor Ministry, the proposed benefit restructuring would apply specifically to Ukrainian refugees arriving after the April 2025 deadline. The policy adjustment represents a significant departure from Germany's previous approach to Ukrainian refugees, who had received more comprehensive benefits under the standard social welfare system since the conflict's escalation in 2022.

Political Context and Implications

Merz's statements reflect evolving political attitudes toward refugee support within Germany's governing coalition, particularly regarding military-aged males from conflict zones. The chancellor's direct appeal to President Zelenskyy underscores Germany's desire to balance humanitarian assistance with expectations that able-bodied Ukrainians contribute to their nation's defense efforts amid ongoing hostilities with Russian forces.