Ukrainian soldiers training in Germany not returning, cases rising

A growing number of Ukrainian soldiers who have undergone military training in Germany are reportedly failing to return to their units after completing their programs, according to an investigation by the German weekly Die Zeit, as reported by Euronews.

The Ministry of the Interior in the German state of Saxony-Anhalt has documented around 80 such cases. While unified nationwide figures are not yet available from the German federal government, estimates suggest that several hundred Ukrainian soldiers may have left their posts across Germany. The Bundeswehr reports that approximately 29,000 Ukrainian soldiers have completed military training in Germany since the start of the Russian invasion.

These soldiers, who receive training on various weapons, camouflage techniques, and first aid, are expected to return to Ukraine for deployment. However, a portion are choosing not to. Those who do not return to their units could face severe legal repercussions, including multi-year prison sentences for desertion. Their legal status in Germany is also problematic, as the facilitated rules for Ukrainian refugees generally do not extend to soldiers who entered the country solely for military training.

Despite these challenges, some soldiers are attempting to remain in Germany by filing asylum claims. However, EU member states agreed in June, at the request of Ukrainian authorities, that military-able men should not automatically be entitled to protection within the Union. This approach was subsequently confirmed by the Council of the European Union. Under these rules, simplified reception systems are available to individuals who have already served in the military in Ukraine or are legally exempt from military service, provided they can present appropriate documentation.