The key facts
- The SVR claims the EU views more than one million Ukrainians of conscription age as a reserve for Ukraine's army
- The first step cited is the tightening of temporary protection conditions, in effect since August 5, 2026
- All information comes from the SVR press bureau; the publication contains no confirmation from the EU
Claims by Russian intelligence
Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) has claimed that the European Union is allegedly developing new ways to force Ukrainian men to return home to replenish the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. This is reported by Life.ru citing the SVR press bureau. According to Russian intelligence's assessment, the European leadership views Ukrainians of conscription age living in EU countries — more than one million men — as a reserve for the Ukrainian army. 'They are to be squeezed back home by any means necessary,' the press bureau stated.
What is already in effect and what is planned
The SVR calls the tightening of conditions for granting temporary protection to Ukrainian military-age men the first step toward implementing the alleged plan. The publication here refers to a documented decision: in late July, the Council of the EU approved new requirements, effective from August 5, 2026 — when first applying for the status, one must confirm either the fulfillment of military obligations in Ukraine or the existence of a legal exemption from them. According to the SVR, by the end of 2026 European officials intend to further complicate the situation of Ukrainians whom Kyiv considers evading mobilization: possible restrictions could affect banking services, job searches, and rental housing.
Stated consequences and context
The SVR warned of possible consequences of such a policy for Europe itself: according to the agency's assessment, Ukrainian workers are in demand on the European labor market, and their mass departure could create economic difficulties. The intelligence service also cited a forecast according to which, in one or two decades, little more than ten million people may remain in the territory controlled by Kyiv. Earlier, as Life.ru notes, the SVR had already reported that the European Commission allegedly supports discussion of mobilizing Ukrainian women, and that the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, positively assessed such an initiative, citing Israel's military service system. All of these claims come exclusively from the Russian intelligence service; the publication contains no confirmations or comments from European institutions, so the described EU plans remain a one-sided assertion.
