Ukrainian Ambassador Oleksiy Makeyev has publicly opposed Germany’s potential decision to end social benefits for Ukrainian refugees, citing recent statements by Bavarian Prime Minister Markus Söder. Makeyev highlighted that social payments to Ukrainian refugees in Germany total EUR 6.3 billion annually, which constitutes approximately 13% of the country’s total social spending of EUR 46.9 billion. This argument is aimed at countering Söder’s proposal to abolish these benefits, which would directly affect approximately 1.3 million Ukrainian refugees currently residing in Germany.
At the heart of the debate lies a broader discussion about the financial implications of hosting Ukrainian refugees and the sustainability of current social welfare programs. While Söder’s proposal could lead to significant savings, proponents of maintaining the benefits argue that it would be unfair to withdraw support from Ukrainian citizens who have fled their homeland due to the Russian invasion. The issue has sparked heated discussions among German lawmakers, who are now weighing the long-term economic and social impacts of such a policy change.
Makeyev’s response comes as part of ongoing negotiations between the Ukrainian government and German officials regarding the integration of Ukrainian refugees. The ambassador has emphasized that ending the social benefits would not only affect Ukrainian migrants but could also have unintended consequences for the broader German population, including increased strain on public services and potential economic disruptions. As the debate continues, it remains unclear whether a compromise can be reached or if a final decision will be made soon.