Germany supports restrictions on draft-age men leaving Ukraine for the EU - Merz
Kyiv • UNN
Friedrich Merz called Ukraine's measures regarding mobilization resources necessary for defense. Berlin supports Kyiv's efforts to preserve the country's unity.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that Berlin supports Ukraine's measures to restrict the departure of men of conscription age to European Union countries. He said this during a joint media briefing with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, as reported by UNN.
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According to the Chancellor, such decisions are justified in the context of a full-scale war, when the state is forced to ensure its own defense, preserve mobilization resources, and maintain societal resilience.
Merz emphasized that Ukraine has the right to take necessary steps for self-defense, and partners should treat this with understanding.
"We also want to say that Ukraine's efforts to restrict the departure of men of conscription age to the EU, we support them. This is absolutely necessary for Ukraine to be able to defend itself."
He added that this issue concerns not only the front directly, but also the preservation of the state's internal unity in wartime conditions. In addition, according to Merz, the availability of human resources will be important for the future reconstruction of the country after the end of hostilities.
"So that the unity of Ukrainian society continues, and so that Ukraine can truly be rebuilt," he emphasized.
The Chancellor also noted that Germany will continue to support Ukraine in military, humanitarian, and economic spheres.