Poland Draws the Line: Will EU Aid for Ukrainian Men Be Tied to Staying Out of the War Zone
Poland Urges EU to Suspend Welfare Benefits for Ukrainian Men to Boost Troop Recruitment
Poland’s foreign minister, Radoslav Shikorski, has called on European governments to suspend welfare benefits for older Ukrainian men living in their countries. This measure aims to encourage more troops to fight against Russian forces, as reported by Reuters.
During a meeting in Kiev with his Ukrainian counterpart, Minister Shikorsky emphasized the need to end social benefits for male Ukrainian refugees. This move would not only help Ukraine recruit more troops but also alleviate the financial burden on Western European countries that have received refugees from Ukraine.
According to data from the EU’s statistical office, Eurostat, over 4.1 million Ukrainians have been granted temporary protection status in European Union countries since July. Approximately 22% of these individuals are adult males.
Minister Shikorski stressed that there should be no financial incentives for Ukrainian men to avoid conscription. “Do not pay social assistance to people subject to Ukrainian military service,” he said during a conference of international leaders in Kyiv. “It is not a human right to receive financial assistance to avoid conscription to defend your country.”
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sibyga welcomed Shikorski’s call, emphasizing the need for the European Union to develop programs that encourage Ukrainians to return home. “It is time to really raise the issue of the European Union developing programs to return Ukrainians home,” Sibyga said.
As the war with Russia enters its 31st month, Ukraine faces significant challenges in maintaining its defense lines. With Moscow’s forces advancing in eastern Ukraine, Kiev needs more troops to rotate depleted troops and replace casualties. Russia’s advantage in terms of manpower and weapons on the battlefield has put Ukraine in a difficult position.
In response to these challenges, Ukraine has adopted new legislation and implemented measures to increase the pace of military mobilization. The new law requires Ukrainian men living abroad to update their military service information, encouraging them to return to Ukraine and join the fight.
Since the start of the Russian invasion in February 2022, Ukraine has imposed martial law, banning men between the ages of 18 and 60 from traveling abroad without special permission. However, many men of military age have chosen to stay abroad to avoid conscription, amid reports of corruption in recruitment commissions.