European Commission denies reports of temporary protection withdrawal for Ukrainian men

The European Commission has not confirmed reports that Ukrainian military-age men could lose temporary protection status if the temporary protection mechanism is extended. The issue has come to the fore amid discussions about the continued application of the temporary protection framework.

The European Commission has not officially confirmed media reports that Ukrainian military-age men could be excluded from the temporary protection mechanism in the future. This was reported on Monday, June 1, by a DW correspondent in Brussels.

The temporary protection mechanism was established following the start of Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, and has provided millions of Ukrainians, including women, children, and the elderly, with temporary residence and work rights in EU member states. Questions about the continuation of protection and possible changes to its terms have become increasingly pressing.

The European Commission has not yet commented on whether and under what conditions men could be excluded from temporary protection. Such discussions have taken place against a backdrop where the Ukrainian government seeks to bring back military-age men living abroad for mobilization.