The Idea of Ending EU Temporary Protection for Ukrainian Men of Draft Age Likely Comes From Kyiv, Politico Says

Two diplomats told the outlet that the initiative could be linked to the manpower shortages Ukraine is facing at the front. Ukrainian officials, however, told Politico in response to a request for comment that Kyiv had not made such a request at this stage.

Some EU countries, including Poland, support denying temporary protection to Ukrainian men of conscription age. But several European diplomats told Politico that most member states consider such an option too harsh. Even discussing possible restrictions on men at this stage remains politically difficult, they said.

The diplomats also said that a decision on extending temporary protection for Ukrainian refugees beyond March 2027 is not expected before July. A European Commission proposal on possible restrictions is due in the coming weeks.

Ukraine has rolled out a coercive mobilization campaign that increasingly takes place without adherence to the formal procedures, rules and standards set out in law. Staff from territorial recruitment centers detain men directly on the streets, near shopping centers, at gas stations and at public-transport stops, often using physical force.

The number of complaints about the actions of territorial recruitment centers has risen many times over—from isolated cases in 2022 to thousands of appeals by 2025. Documented episodes include cases in which detainees suffered serious injuries, as well as incidents that ended in the death or coma of those mobilized. Human rights defenders say men are often deprived of the opportunity to challenge conscription decisions, served draft notices in violation of procedure and denied lawful grounds for deferment.