Germany to Limit Ukrainian Men Seeking Asylum as Kyiv, Berlin Sign Defense Pact

Germany said it would curb asylum claims by Ukrainian men and help return them home, as Berlin and Kyiv sign defense and tech agreements and announce new military aid. Make us preferred on Google Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied German Chancellor Friedrich Merz (R) and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky attend a press conference in the Chancellery in Berlin on April 14, 2026 during German-Ukrainian government consultations. The meeting comes as US-initiated peace talks between Russia and Ukraine have stalled, with Kyiv baulking at the idea it could cede territory to Russia. (Photo by Tobias SCHWARZ / AFP) Content Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Flip Make us preferred on Google German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Berlin will limit the number of Ukrainian men seeking asylum and facilitate their return home. Speaking at a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday, April 14, Merz said Berlin would work closely with Kyiv on the issue. Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . “We will work closely [with Ukraine] on issues related to Ukrainian citizens who have sought asylum in our country and facilitate their return home,” he said. Merz added that Berlin and Kyiv would cooperate on limiting the number of Ukrainian men seeking asylum in Germany. “It is extremely important that these men are on the ground and helping their country,” he added. Zelensky said Ukrainian and German authorities should address the issue of men illegally leaving Ukraine. “As for young people abroad, they are different. I agree with you about those of mobilization age who went abroad temporarily but ended up staying for years, and those who left in violation of the law – our relevant services in both countries should deal with this issue,” Zelensky said. He added that the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) would like these men to return, as soldiers need rotation. “Our AFU would like them to return because the issue of justice matters. Our people at the front need rotation. Although our soldiers are iron, they have families. Every citizen must bear responsibility,” he said. The president added that younger Ukrainians who are not of mobilization age are abroad legally and have the right to remain there. Other Topics of Interest Ukraine Can Produce Millions of FPV Drones a Year, Zelensky Says “The enemy will feel it,” Zelensky said, as he touted Ukraine’s growing ability to build drones, missiles and robotic systems for the battlefield. Inking a strategic deal During intergovernmental consultations held in Berlin on Tuesday, Ukraine and Germany officially confirmed their status as strategic partners. Key agreements were signed in the presence of Zelensky and Merz at the ministerial level. In the defense sector, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov signed an agreement to strengthen technological exchange and joint defense projects. In the economic sphere, German Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development Reem Alabali Radovan and Ukrainian Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture Oleksiy Sobolev signed a declaration supporting industrial recovery and sustainability. “We are raising our bilateral relations with Ukraine to the level of a strategic partnership,” Merz said. Germany and Ukraine also agreed on a new military aid package, which will include air defense systems, drones, and ammunition. Merz said Germany remains one of Ukraine’s key partners and is committed to long-term cooperation. The two countries also signed an agreement on the exchange of digital combat data to accelerate the development of new weapon systems and strengthen defense capabilities. “The significance of this agreement is difficult to overestimate. The fact that we are now in Europe, together with Ukraine, developing such a system increases Europe’s level of independence,” Merz said. He added that the agreement shows Europe’s intention to strengthen its defense autonomy. Merz also said Russia must end the war as soon as possible. “It has no chance of winning it,” he said. He added that Germany will step up measures against Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet,” used to bypass sanctions. “We will intensify our measures against the Russian shadow fleet. We will also cooperate on Middle East issues to strengthen defense capabilities and better coordinate our efforts,” Merz said. Following the consultations in Berlin, the Ukrainian delegation will travel to Rome for talks with the Italian government to further strengthen European support. Zelensky arrived in Berlin on Tuesday for talks with Merz as part of intergovernmental consultations aimed at deepening bilateral cooperation. The meeting took place against the backdrop of stalled US-initiated peace talks between Ukraine and Russia, with Kyiv rejecting proposals that would involve ceding territory. At the same time, Germany is increasingly interested in Ukraine’s battlefield experience and defense technologies, including drone systems developed during the war. Alongside the leaders’ talks, broader consultations are underway involving senior officials from both countries. Ukraine’s Social Minister Denys Uliutin is expected to meet German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt at a “Unity Hub” in Berlin, a support center for Ukrainian refugees. Julia is a Deputy Head of News and correspondent for Kyiv Post who has previously worked as a parliamentary editor, journalist, and news editor. She has specialized in covering the work of the Ukrainian parliament, government, and law enforcement agencies.