Germany is ending temporary protection for Ukrainian men of conscription age, but there is a catch
Kyiv • UNN
Ukrainian men aged 23 to 60 who arrive in Germany after July 31, 2026, will no longer receive temporary protection. The only exception is for those who have fulfilled their military duty or have legal grounds for leaving the country.
Ukrainian men aged 23 to 60 who are fleeing Russia's war against Ukraine and are not exempt from military service can no longer obtain temporary protection in Germany. DW reports this, citing the country's Interior Ministry, UNN reports.
Details
It is noted that this restriction applies to men who arrived in Germany starting on July 31, 2026. It was on this day that the relevant provision of the Council of the EU's decision entered into force. According to it, temporary protection is granted exclusively to those whose "military duty in Ukraine has been fulfilled."
To provide confirmation, Ukrainian men must submit evidence that they left Ukraine legally or are exempt from military service, Germany's Interior Ministry said
It is noted that the new rules do not apply to Ukrainian men aged 23 to 60 who were already in Germany before July 31, 2026, and have temporary protection. Temporary protection for them, as for all other Ukrainian refugees in Germany, is automatically extended until March 2028, pursuant to the Council of the EU's decision.
Ukrainian men of mobilization age who have no grounds for temporary protection and wish to remain in Germany may apply for asylum in the country. Such an application will be considered individually by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees
At the same time, Germany's Foreign Ministry added that Ukrainian citizens who are in Germany illegally may be deported if valid general legal grounds for expelling foreigners exist in their case.
Reminder
As of the end of June, more than 4.4 million Ukrainians were under temporary protection in the EU, 24,000 more than in May. The largest number of such people are in Germany.