Nearly one million draft-age men from Ukraine are in the EU

As of the end of February 2026, according to Eurostat, more than 1 million 42 thousand Ukrainian men aged 18–64 hold temporary protection status in EU countries; the largest communities are concentrated in Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic.

The European statistical agency released updated counts showing that the number of Ukrainians of conscription age with temporary protection increased by almost 16% over the year. Such an increase becomes an additional factor of pressure on the migration policies of EU states.

The largest number of Ukrainian men is registered in Germany — 312.2 thousand people. Next by number are Poland — 153.2 thousand, and the Czech Republic — 129.3 thousand. Romania and Spain also make up the top five countries by these figures.

An increase in the number of conscription-age Ukrainian citizens is being recorded in almost all EU countries. The fastest annual rise was registered in Denmark — +78.7%. At the same time, a decrease in the number of Ukrainian men is observed only in Latvia and France.

The topic of citizens returning to Ukraine is increasingly prominent in government discussions across Europe: some countries are moving from purely supportive measures to encouraging voluntary departures from the EU. Ireland is considering financial payments for those willing to return, while the Czech Republic is simultaneously discussing limits on the duration of temporary protection, preparing legislative changes to strengthen control over recipients and to simplify the transition to long-term residence.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced his intention to coordinate the policy of returning Ukrainian citizens at the government level.

Germany will closely coordinate its actions to facilitate the return of Ukrainian citizens to their homeland

Previously we wrote:

• 5.6 million Ukrainians are abroad, less than half want to return
• Poland is repealing a separate law on assistance to Ukrainian refugees
• Europe outraged: tension rises in Poland and Germany over conscription-age Ukrainians
• The EU extended protection for Ukrainians until 2027: what will happen after this period?
• The EU will not forcibly expel conscription-age Ukrainian men: statement by the European Commissioner