Germany's Ministry of the Interior Proposed to Limit Protection for Ukrainian Men

Ukrainian men with unresolved military obligations may lose the right to automatic temporary protection upon arrival in the EU. The new approach was supported by the Minister of the Interior of Germany, Alexander Dobrindt. This was reported by Visit Ukraine.

Who Will Be Affected by the New Protection Rules in Germany

The restrictions will only apply to new applicants who seek temporary protection after the decision comes into effect. It concerns not all men, but those who cannot confirm the fulfillment of military obligations or legal grounds for leaving.

Ukrainians who already have temporary protection in Germany or another EU country will not be subject to re-verification. Automatic cancellation of existing statuses is also not provided.

EU countries agreed on this principle on July 15 along with the extension of temporary protection until March 4, 2028. However, the decision still needs to be formally adopted, published in the Official Journal of the EU, and only then will it come into effect. This is stated in a statement from the EU Council.

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How Ukrainians Will Have to Prove Their Right to Protection

New applicants will need to prove that they legally left Ukraine or have an exemption, deferral, or another legally provided basis.

The EU Council named two possible confirmations:

• a passport with a stamp from Ukrainian border guards about legal exit;
• a paper or electronic document regarding the fulfillment of military obligations or exemption from them.

The final list of documents will be determined after the formal approval of the decision and its implementation by the EU countries.

Alexander Dobrindt also stated that mere unwillingness to serve does not create an automatic basis for asylum. Men who do not receive temporary protection will be able to submit an individual application, but German authorities will separately assess the risks for each applicant.

As of May 31, 2026, 4.38 million people who fled Ukraine were under temporary protection in the EU. The agreed restrictions do not provide for the review of the already granted status.