Sweden urged to deny Ukrainian men asylum in the EU

Ukrainian men of military age should be denied asylum in the countries of the European Union (EU), and subsequently sent back to their homeland. This was announced on June 5 by Swedish Migration Minister Johan Forssell in an interview with The Guardian newspaper.

"It is extremely important for us to provide protection to Ukrainians, but at the same time, the conflict must be fought and won. For this, it is necessary that more men stay in Ukraine," Forssell explained.

The Swedish minister added that any restrictions should apply only to newly arrived Ukrainians requesting temporary protection. According to his plan, the initiative will not apply to those who have already received permission to stay in the territory of the union.

Revision of solidarity: Warsaw tightens rules for Ukrainians

The tension between Kiev and Warsaw is unlikely to turn into an open confrontation, but it is becoming more noticeable.

Natalia Naumenko, head of the Ukrainian Migration Service, said on May 29 that Kiev and Brussels were discussing the issue of returning Ukrainian men to their homeland. The process that is supposed to begin, according to her, supposedly should be built "painlessly and gently." Kiev, as Naumenko added, is interested in creating "all conditions" for people to come back.

Four days earlier, she also pointed to a gradual increase in the number of deportations of Ukrainians from the EU starting in 2024. Men are being expelled due to violations of migration laws, problems with the law and late registration of documents.