Poland supports restrictions on temporary protection for Ukrainian men of draft age — media

Poland supports the idea of ​​excluding Ukrainian men of military age from the European Union’s temporary protection system. In addition, Warsaw advocates the gradual abolition of special benefits for Ukrainian refugees and the transition to general migration rules that apply to citizens of other states.

This is reported by the Polish publication RMF24, citing diplomatic sources.

The EU is preparing new rules for Ukrainians

According to journalists, the Polish side is already sending relevant signals to Brussels, where consultations are underway on the future mechanism of temporary protection for Ukrainian citizens.

The issue is expected to be discussed by EU interior ministers during a meeting on June 4.

After the consultations, the European Commission may present a new proposal to extend temporary protection for Ukrainians until 2028. At the same time, the mechanism may be significantly changed.

Poland wants to change the approach to men of military age

According to RMF24, Warsaw believes that Ukrainian men of military age should be allowed to stay in EU countries on general grounds, without automatically receiving temporary protection.

“There should be no contradiction in the fact that people who cannot legally leave Ukraine should not receive temporary protection in EU countries,” the publication quotes one of the Polish diplomats.

At the same time, the Polish side emphasizes that this is not about depriving Ukrainians of humanitarian aid or basic rights.

Warsaw also believes that such an approach could have a positive impact on relations with Kyiv, since Ukraine is interested in the return of some citizens due to a shortage of human resources.

Ukraine is negotiating the return of citizens

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga previously stated that about 8 million Ukrainians have left abroad since the start of the full-scale war, about a quarter of whom are men of military age.

According to the minister, this situation is already becoming a challenge for the national security of the state.

Ukraine is currently negotiating with some Western countries on voluntary return programs for citizens. Among the possible mechanisms being considered is financial support for Ukrainians who agree to return home after a long stay abroad.

At the same time, Poland opposes the idea of ​​granting or canceling temporary protection depending on the region of origin of Ukrainians, emphasizing that Russian missile strikes could occur throughout Ukraine.