Polish minister, visiting Kyiv, calls for end to benefits for Ukrainian men in Europe

FILE PHOTO: Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha visit the Memory Wall of Fallen Defenders of Ukraine outside Saint Michael's Cathedral, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine September 13, 2024. REUTERS/Valentyn Ogirenko//File Photo

KYIV (Reuters) - European governments should halt welfare benefits to Ukrainian men of military age who are living in their countries, Poland's foreign minister said, a measure he said would help Ukraine call up more troops to fight Russian forces.

Following a meeting in Kyiv with his Ukrainian counterpart, Poland's Radoslaw Sikorski said ending social benefits for Ukrainian male refugees would also benefit state finances in host countries in Western Europe.