In Germany, the debate about social support for Ukrainian refugees has flared up again. As reported by Berliner Zeitung on September 18, 2026, CSU leader and Bavarian Minister-President Markus Söder has demanded the abolition of the so-called "Rechtskreiswechsel" — that is, access to Bürgergeld for young, able-bodied Ukrainian men.
What exactly Söder is demanding
In a social media post, the politician emphasized that Germany supports Ukraine "like few other countries," but at the same time stated: young, able-bodied men from Ukraine should not receive Bürgergeld and should do more to help defend their country. He also called on Kyiv to purchase more German technology using aid funds and to talk with Berlin about access to raw materials — not only with the US.
According to the publication's assessment, such statements increase pressure on Ukrainian men already living in Germany: calls to return to the front are being made at the same time as stricter entry conditions for conscripts are being discussed.
Stricter rules for conscripts
Since August 2026, stricter conditions for temporary protection in the EU apply to new arrivals: men of conscription age must confirm that they are not subject to military service or that they left Ukraine legally (for example, through a deferral or exemption). This concerns new entries specifically — those already in the EU are not affected by this requirement retroactively.
In Germany, more than 1.3 million people from Ukraine currently have temporary protection or a corresponding application.
Berlin's position and criticism
Berliner Zeitung also recalls earlier statements by Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (CDU), who said that men of conscription age from Ukraine should return home, and even allowed for the possibility of transferring data to Ukraine about the registered place of residence of such citizens in Germany.
Söder's post provoked a sharp reaction: critics call it an attempt to send people to war and compare the rhetoric to populist slogans. Others, by contrast, support the demand to limit social benefits for able-bodied men.
This material was prepared based on reports from the German publication Berliner Zeitung dated September 18, 2026. Source: Berliner Zeitung.