“There are at least 200,000 Ukrainian men of military age living in Germany who are missing in Ukraine to support the country in the defensive struggle,” Kiesewetter told the Editorial Network Germany (RND). Ukrainian soldiers, some of whom have been deployed continuously for almost two years, urgently need help, the Bundestag member stressed.

“In exchange, Germany could, for example, suspend social benefits to this group.”

Kiesewetter added: “Germany should support Ukraine to make fair offers to healthy men and provide incentives for them to return voluntarily. In return, Germany could, for example, suspend citizen benefits for this group and help with the recording and delivery of notices.” Not all those affected necessarily have to fight on the front; personnel are also lacking in other areas.

The CDU politician stressed that, for historical reasons, there is a great understanding of conscientious objection in Germany. However, there is a difference between whether a country goes to war voluntarily or whether its existence is at stake in a war of aggression. “It is a matter of patriotism and solidarity to support your own country.”

256,000 male Ukrainians between 18 and 60 years old in Germany

The reason for the statements is Ukraine's decision to no longer issue passports to men of military age in consulates abroad. In Germany this leads us to wonder if they will be able to obtain replacement documents here. According to the Central Register of Foreigners, around 256,000 male Ukrainians between the ages of 18 and 60 were recently residing in Germany.

“The protection status granted will not be revoked due to an expired passport.”

According to the Federal Ministry of the Interior, the meeting of the “Federal-State-Ukraine Coordination Office” and the meeting of immigration officials will be held on Tuesday. Both rounds will focus on this topic. A spokesperson told the RND: “It is of great interest to all countries in the world, including Germany, that foreigners have valid passport documents and can therefore adequately prove their personal data and identity. The change in the consular services for Ukrainians abroad”. has come to an end However, the granting of temporary protection has no impact “as the granted protection status is not revoked due to an expired passport.” Ukrainians could also prove their identity in another way if necessary.

Michael Schulze von Glaßer, political director of the “German Peace Society-United Opponents of Conflict”, told the “RND”: “As long as Ukraine does not respect the human right to conscientious objection, no Ukrainian of service age Military personnel who have fled to Germany may be expelled or pressured to do so and return to a war-torn country. If necessary, Germany must provide substitute documents.”