Can Europe return men to Ukraine? The Ministry of Internal Affairs explains how the procedure works

Is Europe preparing to deport large numbers of Ukrainians subject to military conscription? The Ministry of the Interior has officially explained how the readmission procedure works and whether the Ukrainian authorities can initiate the return of refugees from Germany or other EU countries. Find out who decides on deportation and who really has cause for concern

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The question of whether EU countries will forcibly return citizens liable for military service to their home countries remains one of the most hotly debated issues. Against the backdrop of discussions regarding possible restrictions on refugees of conscription age, the Ukrainian Ministry of Internal Affairs, in response to a request from UNIAN, has provided clarification on the legal mechanisms governing this process.

Will Ukrainian men be deported from Germany and other EU countries?

Rumours of mass returns of Ukrainians often exaggerate the actual powers of the Ukrainian side on the international stage. The Ukrainian Ministry of Internal Affairs emphasises that the forced expulsion of citizens from Germany or any other European country is possible only on the basis of decisions by local authorities. Ukraine itself cannot initiate the forced return of its citizens who are legally residing abroad.

European states independently establish migration rules and asylum regimes. As noted by the Ukrainian ministry, Kyiv has no legal instruments to instruct the host country on whom to deny protection to and whom to allow to remain.

“Decisions regarding the legality of a person’s stay in Germany or another EU country are taken exclusively by the authorities of that state. It is they who determine the conditions for entry, residence or possible return. Ukraine has no authority to decide independently whom another country should allow to remain or return,” the Ministry of Internal Affairs stated officially.

How the procedure for return to Ukraine works under the law

If the forced removal of persons across the border does take place, it is always based on international law. In the case of European Union member states, the key document is the Agreement between Ukraine and the EU on the readmission of persons.

▪️ Under the terms of this agreement, the Ukrainian side is indeed obliged to take back its citizens. However, for this to happen, the European country must fulfil a number of strict conditions:

▪️ Unequivocally prove that the person holds Ukrainian citizenship.

Officially confirm that the person has absolutely no legal grounds for further stay on EU territory (for example, temporary protection status has been revoked, a visa has expired, or an offence has been committed).

Only after these legal formalities have been met is a clearly regulated procedure for transferring the person across the border initiated.

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Which Ukrainians may be returned home, and who will remain in Europe

Possible restrictions on Ukrainian men of conscription age are currently being discussed in the political corridors of EU countries. Some European politicians consider it controversial that conscripts, who are not permitted to leave Ukraine under wartime laws, receive social benefits in Europe without hindrance immediately upon crossing the border.

However, experts doubt the likelihood of a mass deportation of all men indiscriminately. According to MP Dmytro Razumkov, Europe’s economic realities dictate their own terms. European countries are currently facing a serious labour shortage, so they have absolutely no interest in deporting officially employed Ukrainians who bring real benefits to the local economy.

Any restrictions, if introduced at the level of individual EU states, are most likely to be targeted. Those at risk of forced return are primarily those residing in Europe illegally or semi-legally, as well as individuals who live exclusively on social benefits and do not participate in the life of the host country.

The issue of legalizing residency status remains one of the key concerns for Ukrainians in EU countries today. That is why an increasing number of people are seeking advice from immigration lawyers. On the Visit Ukraine platform, Ukrainians can receive professional assistance regarding document processing, legalizing their stay, employment, and residency rules in Poland and other European countries.

Reminder! The latest data for 2026 reveals the real incomes of Europeans. The nominal leaders are losing ground to countries with a low cost of living, and taxes change everything. Find out which countries pay the most when purchasing power is taken into account.

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