Germany is discussing mechanisms for the return of Ukrainians of mobilization age — Ambassador Makeeyev
In the spotlight — those who left illegally: Kyiv is holding talks with Berlin
Ukraine and Germany have created a joint working group that discusses mechanisms for returning Ukrainians of mobilization age who illegally left Ukraine. On July 3, 2026, in an interview with Ukrinform, the Ukrainian ambassador to Germany, Oleksii Makeev, said this.
According to the diplomat, the work to coordinate the return of Ukrainians has two components. The first is the Unity Hub, a format for the state’s interaction with the Ukrainian community abroad, where people are informed about available options and provided with practical assistance. The second is joint work with the German side on how exactly it is possible to facilitate the return of citizens to Ukraine.
Makeev noted that the first Unity Hub center has already been opened in the center of Berlin, and it is gradually being filled with activity. As an example, the ambassador cited the presence of representatives of the Pension Fund, whom Ukrainian pensioners immediately turned to with their questions.
Separately, the ambassador confirmed that within this same working group they are also addressing the issue of returning men of mobilization age who left Ukraine illegally. At the same time, the specific mechanisms are not being disclosed for now. Makeev only noted that they “are being discussed” within this interagency work.
Thus, at this point it is not about a new, already published procedure for return, but about a negotiation and coordination process between Ukrainian and German agencies.
