About 400,000 Ukrainians Employed in Germany Nearly Five Years Into War

What happened

German TV news channel ntv, citing the Federal Employment Agency (BA), reports that around 400,000 Ukrainians are currently employed in Germany, with nearly 350,000 paying into the social insurance system. This marks an increase of 64,000 employed Ukrainians compared to the previous year.

The BA spokesperson added that in June the employment rate among Ukrainian citizens in Germany was 39.7%, while in May 474,534 Ukrainians were registered as receiving basic unemployment benefits. The number of Ukrainians on basic income support declined by 3.9% year-on-year.

These figures come nearly four and a half years after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, during which millions of Ukrainians have fled abroad. The rise in employment suggests a steady economic participation by displaced Ukrainians in Germany, one of the key EU destinations.

Known from the source

• About 400,000 Ukrainians work in Germany as of mid-2026.
• Nearly 350,000 Ukrainians in Germany contribute to the social insurance system.
• The employment rate among Ukrainians in Germany was 39.7% in June 2026.
• 474,534 Ukrainians received basic unemployment benefits in May 2026.
• The number of employed Ukrainians increased by 64,000 year-on-year.

What remains unclear

Separately, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said the German government could assist Ukraine in facilitating the return of conscription-age men currently in Germany, but that any such moves would be non-coercive. This is set against the backdrop of the EU extending temporary protection for Ukrainians until March 2028, including new rules limiting status eligibility for military-liable Ukrainian men arriving going forward.

What remains unclear: Verify the Federal Employment Agency (BA) data and precise current figures on Ukrainian employment and social insurance contributions in Germany. Confirm German Foreign Ministry statements regarding repatriation policies for conscription-age Ukrainian men. Ensure contextual accuracy surrounding EU temporary protection extensions and how they specifically affect conscription-age men. Check for any recent developments or statements that might update or nuance the reported figures or policy positions.

Evidence note

Outside Brief has treated the source material as confirmed within the supplied source context, while retaining attribution to the original publisher.

Original source: Ukrainska Pravda English. Open the source.