Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski believes that Germany should stop paying social benefits to Ukrainian refugees and redirect the funds to authorities in Kiev. He argues that the generous benefits act as a disincentive for Ukrainian men to return home and join the military. Statistics show that over four million Ukrainians are residing under temporary protection in the EU, with Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic hosting the highest numbers of refugees.
Sikorski suggested to Chancellor Olaf Scholz that the social benefits, which can amount to €1,200 per month, should be given directly to Ukraine. He emphasized that it is crucial for Ukrainian men to be fighting at the front lines and women to contribute to the country’s economy instead of remaining in Germany. The proposal has received support from Ukrainian officials, who believe it is time for the EU to develop programs to repatriate Ukrainians.
Efforts to scale back welfare programs for Ukrainian refugees are underway across several EU member states, encouraging them to seek employment or return home. The move comes after a poll showed that a majority of Polish citizens support the deportation of Ukrainian men of military age back to Ukraine.