Kyiv and Berlin are currently discussing the return of draft-age men who left Ukraine illegally within the framework of this dedicated working group. This was reported by Dengi.ua, citing an interview with Ukrinform by Ukraine’s Ambassador to Germany, Oleksiy Makeev.
The diplomat noted that Unity Hub centers play an important role in engaging with the Ukrainian community. According to him, the first such center has already begun operations in central Berlin and is gradually expanding its activities.
"We are grateful to the Germans for helping to develop the idea of creating centers for Ukrainians—the Unity Hubs. The first one has already opened in central Berlin and is gradually becoming more active. For instance, I personally visited it during its first days of operation. Representatives of the Pension Fund were there, and Ukrainian pensioners immediately lined up to ask them specific questions,” the ambassador said.
According to Makeev, efforts to facilitate the return of Ukrainians are structured along two lines: the work of Unity Hubs to inform the Ukrainian community about available opportunities, and cooperation with the German side to find ways for citizens to return.
“The first is the Unity Hub—that is, our government’s work with the Ukrainian community to explain what options are available. The second is to understand how we can facilitate the return in cooperation with the Germans. Therefore, a working group has been established between Ukrainian and German agencies to facilitate the exchange of information,” Makeev said.
The ambassador also highlighted the need for a detailed understanding of the composition of the Ukrainian community in Germany.
“We need to know our audience. Today, there are about 1.3 million Ukrainians in Germany. We see that the proportion of those who are already working—who not only receive assistance but also pay social security contributions—is increasing significantly. These figures are not yet on par with those in Poland, but the majority of Ukrainians have already integrated,” the ambassador noted.
At the same time, he said, both Ukraine and Germany have an interest in ensuring that Ukrainians maintain ties with their homeland and can participate in its postwar reconstruction.
“It is in our interest and in Germany’s interest to ensure that we can count on professionally trained Ukrainians during Ukraine’s reconstruction. This is our common interest,” the diplomat stated.
Responding to a question about the return of men of draft age who left Ukraine illegally, Makeev confirmed that the relevant mechanisms are already under discussion.
“I will not disclose these mechanisms yet. They are currently being discussed as part of this working group’s activities,” Makeev emphasized.
