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German Chancellor Merz links Western aid to Ukraine’s need to retain youth by creating jobs, amid mass emigration and manpower shortages.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to create conditions that encourage young Ukrainian men to stay in the country, linking continued Western economic aid and reconstruction support to Ukraine’s ability to retain its youth through job opportunities.
Speaking in Paris after a 'Coalition of the Willing' meeting, Merz emphasized that a strong, self-sustaining economy is vital for long-term security and deterring Russia.
The call comes amid concerns over Ukraine’s manpower shortages, as nearly 100,000 young men have left since August 2024 when travel restrictions for men aged 18 to 22 were lifted, fueling aggressive recruitment efforts, including forced conscriptions.
The UK and France said they would only deploy troops if a peace agreement is reached, though Russia rejects any NATO presence.
Merz declined to predict when fighting might end.
El canciller alemán Merz vincula la ayuda occidental con la necesidad de Ucrania de retener a la juventud mediante la creación de empleos, en medio de la emigración masiva y la escasez de mano de obra.