Germany won't force out Ukrainian men despite political rhetoric — expert

Volodymyr Dubovyk, Director of the Center for International Studies and Associate Professor in the Department of International Relations at Odesa National Mechnikov University, expressed this opinion on Espreso TV.

"Friedrich Merz's statement that Ukrainian men should return to Ukraine should be viewed in the context of the domestic political situation in Germany itself. He is being urged to do this by certain political parties in Germany, particularly the Christian Social Union. The issue is that a lot of money is being spent, although much less funding is now being allocated for Ukrainians. They are also drawing attention to the wave of young people from Ukraine who received the right to leave. After all, young Ukrainians went primarily to Germany. Therefore, this is purely a political statement," Dubovyk explained.

The expert noted that radical steps from the German government regarding Ukrainians residing in the country should not be expected.

"However, Germany remains a state governed by the rule of law, and on this issue they will act within the framework of the law. That is, they will look at what they can do according to the law and what they cannot. I don't think there will be any sharp moves or decisions that would leave Ukrainians without rights in Germany. All of this is just domestic political rhetoric to show that the chancellor is aware of the problem and is responding," he added.