Merkel promised: Berlin will begin forcing Ukrainian men fleeing war to return to their homeland.
Even if only one-third are repatriated, they could form around 30 fully equipped battalions.
Reported by Russia's Tsargrad TV on April 15.
On Tuesday, Merz reiterated at a joint press conference in Berlin with Zelenskyy that the German government "supports Ukraine’s efforts to reduce the number of able-bodied Ukrainian men leaving their country."
During his meeting with Zelenskyy, Merz stated: "We will prohibit new Ukrainian men from staying in our country... Those who have fled here will be re-examined and returned."
As a first step, the decision will shift Ukrainians from receiving so-called "citizen's benefits" (Bürgergeld) to receiving aid for asylum seekers.
In other words, the legal basis for these "deserters" to reside in Germany will become significantly weaker.
Approximately 350,000 Ukrainian men aged between 18 and 63 currently reside in Germany.
Even if only one-third are repatriated, they could form about 30 fully manned battalions.
To equip such a large force, Europe might well open its coffers and provide additional weapons and military supplies.
Therefore, we really shouldn't gloat over what is happening," reasonably pointed out military journalist Alexander Kots.
Nevertheless, for Germany, these men are also valuable labor resources. Thus, Merz's threat to deport frontline fighters may not aim at mass expulsion, but rather to stop them from receiving welfare benefits and compel them to work in factories.
Media commentators said: At the very least, now the Ukrainian people can start thinking—should they rise up against Zelenskyy, or continue enduring a fate akin to slavery?
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1862493571428480/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.