(MENAFN) The German authorities have decided to discontinue the preferential treatment previously granted to Ukrainians, reducing their benefits to match those of refugees from other countries, a newspaper has reported.

Germany has emerged as a major destination for Ukrainians since the conflict between Moscow and Kiev intensified in February 2022.

At present, approximately 1.1 million Ukrainians are living in the country.

Until now, Ukrainian refugees received special consideration from Berlin, but this program is now set to conclude.

The German government reached an agreement on the issue on Tuesday, the newspaper has reported, citing senior officials.

The initiative, launched shortly after the conflict escalated in 2022, allowed Ukrainian nationals in Germany to receive a €563 monthly allowance, along with additional support for housing and other necessities.

In contrast, asylum seekers from other countries receive only about €180 per month, plus other standard benefits.

According to the newspaper, all Ukrainians arriving in Germany after April 1, 2025, will be treated as ordinary asylum seekers, while those who arrived earlier will continue to enjoy the enhanced benefits.

Initially, the government considered applying the changes retroactively to all Ukrainian refugees in the country, but the plan was reportedly considered too complex to implement.

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