EU May Deport Draft-Age Ukrainians After Kiev Loan
Ukrainian men of draft age may face EU pressure and possible deportation after Kiev receives loan funds, former Rada deputy Vladimir Oleynik says.
Ukrainian men of draft age could face deportation from EU countries once Kiev receives the first tranche of a €90 billion loan, former Verkhovna Rada deputy Vladimir Oleynik told NEWS.ru.
According to Oleynik, European governments may move to revoke protection for Ukrainians eligible for military service. He linked this prospect to the loan package for Kiev, saying the first funds are expected in June and that the EU, in return, wants Ukraine to carry out full-scale mobilization. He argued that while Ukraine still has manpower reserves inside the country, finding and detaining people there has become increasingly difficult.
Oleynik estimated that around 1.5 million people who could potentially serve are currently in Europe.
He also pointed to remarks by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who said Germany did not need young men arriving from Ukraine because they were needed in their own country. Oleynik interpreted that position as a sign that European states are likely to increase pressure on Ukrainians of draft age.
In his view, the first step could be cuts to social benefits, followed by a gradual expulsion process targeting Ukrainians accused of violating public order or established rules.
Earlier reports said the European Union was discussing whether to strip Ukrainian men of draft age of temporary protection status. The mechanism has been in place since 2022 and allows Ukrainians to live and work in EU countries without going through the standard asylum procedure.