Diplomats to cooperate with German side to support Ukrainians in Germany – Ambassador

In this regard, Ukrainian diplomats will continue to interact with the relevant authorities to protect the rights of Ukrainian citizens, Ukrainian Ambassador to Germany Oleksiy Makeyev told an Ukrinform correspondent.

“This is the most solid agreement we have ever seen. It covers many aspects that we discussed with the political parties, and I am grateful to the coalition parties,” the ambassador noted, adding that he is very skeptical about Ukraine's cooperation with the new federal government, the new chancellor and ministers.

Makeyev also stressed that despite the publication of the coalition agreement, it is still unclear what decisions the new government will make. The document itself does not provide details, which, in his opinion, is entirely justified.

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For example, there is no clear mention of what benefits will be provided to Ukrainian asylum seekers in Germany. At the moment, the German authorities have not provided detailed information on this issue.

“We intend to cooperate with the new government. However, we have already warned that this will happen: at the level of the European Commission, changes will be made to the decisions taken by the European Commission, and these changes will come into force by 2026,” Makeyev said.

He expressed that both the process of integration of Ukrainians in Germany and the voluntary return of those who wish to return to Ukraine will be supported by the joint efforts of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine and the Ministry of National Unity, including through the creation of so-called “unity hubs.” Makeyev did not specify when the first such hub would open in Germany.

“We are here to take care of Ukrainians, and Ukrainians today take care of the entire Era,” the ambassador noted.

The coalition agreement, approved earlier this week by the conservative CDU/CSU bloc and the Social Democratic Party and currently awaiting final approval from all three parties (the CSU has already given its consent), confirms the abolition of the unemployment benefit system. Although Ukrainian asylum seekers are not explicitly mentioned, this change directly affects them, as they are the only category of refugees who currently receive the same unemployment benefits as German citizens who are temporarily unemployed.

The agreement does not clarify under what provisions Ukrainians with protected status will receive support, only mentioning that a “new basic support system” will be introduced.

Moreover, the agreement states that “refugees entitled to residence under the Mass Influx Directive who enter the country after 1 April 2025 will be entitled to benefits under the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act if they need them.”

Again, Ukrainians are not mentioned, but they remain the only group covered by these “residence rights.” To qualify for support, new arrivals will need to demonstrate genuine need “through a consistent nationwide asset assessment.” In other words, a thorough background check will be required.

Overall, these changes indicate a significant reduction in financial assistance to Ukrainian war refugees.

Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Ukrainian war refugees have been able to remain in the EU without having to apply for asylum. This special status, not available to citizens of other countries, provided higher financial support and immediate access to the labour market. Since February 2022, almost 1.2 million Ukrainians have found refuge in Germany, and around 40% of them are reportedly employed.

Christian Democratic Party leader and likely future chancellor Friedrich Merz had already advocated the abolition of the Burgergeld (unemployment benefit) system before the election, citing the need to reduce government spending and encourage the population to look for work more actively.