Kyiv Welcomes Ukrainians Home, But Won’t Compel Return

June 9, 2025

As Russia’s comprehensive assault on Ukraine continues into its fourth year, Kyiv is reconsidering its approach to maintaining strong connections with those who have been compelled to leave Ukraine and settle elsewhere. The focus is also on finding ways to encourage these individuals to return home.

Some 4.8 million Ukrainians have been granted temporary protection in Europe since Russia went on its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

The initial plan for a three-year safeguarding measure has now been prolonged to cover a total span of five years, ending in March 2027.

Oleksiy Chernyshov, Ukraine’s vice-prime minister heading the recently established ministry for national unity, notes that the longer individuals remain overseas, the more challenging it becomes to encourage their return home.

Chernyshov has been assigned the responsibility of keeping strong connections with Ukrainian expatriates and encouraging them to come back to their homeland, since they are gradually establishing themselves overseas.

“As the conflict persists, Ukrainians grow increasingly integrated into other nations,” he said to Euronews.

“That’s why, even amid the conflict, we wish to maintain connections with Ukrainians. We aim to convey this message and clarify that every individual holds equal importance for Ukraine. Whether through material support or emotional contributions, we value your involvement,” Chernyshov stated.

“You ought to become an integral part of Ukrainian life. You should keep Ukraine in mind whether you are thinking about coming back or not. It’s crucial to maintain your Ukrainian identity and uphold the Ukrainian cause,” he emphasized, speaking to his fellow citizens.

Kyiv now aims to reconstruct its approach through what they call “Unity Hubs,” which have been established overseas. These versatile centers will offer an array of services for Ukrainian individuals who are displaced or currently living outside the country, encompassing legal aid, mental health support, education resources, cultural activities, and assistance programs designed to ease their assimilation into the European Union.

Nevertheless, they will motivate them to willingly go back to Ukraine when peaceful circumstances allow for it.

As it extended the temporary protection scheme, the European Commission backed the initiative.

Chernyshov stated that this provides “over 20 months of clear planning time for Ukrainians in the European Union to organize their lives.” Additionally, Kyiv anticipates that the “Unity Hubs” program will assist individuals in preparing for their eventual return to Ukraine.

Chernyshov acknowledged that this situation primarily hinges on the war. He emphasized again that the Ukrainians weren’t seeking greener pastures; they were fleeing from the conflict, and it was crucial to keep this in mind.


Ukrainian refugees and the EU’s labour market

In the meantime, Ukrainians in Europe have served as “a significant boon to the labor market,” according to Ukraine’s vice-prime minister.

Chernyshov pointed out, “They are professionals who work diligently, possess intelligence, and have received education; clearly, labor markets will vie for their talents.”

No official statistics track the number of Ukrainian refugees employed across Europe, where circumstances differ significantly by nation.

The combined study released in May 2024 by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and the European Migration Network indicates that individuals under temporary protection showed faster integration into the job market compared to other refugees.

At the beginning of 2023, the share of working-age BoTP in employment was already over 40% in a number of EU countries, including Estonia, Lithuania, Denmark and the Netherlands.

Even higher employment levels were reported in Poland, exceeding 60%. While the number was lower than average in Germany (18%) and Switzerland (14%).

Following the initial large-scale movements in 2022, many EU nations observed a decline in registration figures. Nonetheless, the count of BoTP individuals entering employment kept rising, indicating a heightened shift towards finding jobs.

After gaining professional experience overseas, Kyiv anticipates that Ukrainians will apply this knowledge back in their homeland. Chernyshov mentioned that economic growth and the enforcement of reforms will help facilitate the return of individuals once the conflict ends.

“Once Ukraine reconstructs and strengthens its economy, European nations will seek opportunities for reconstruction. When these countries arrive, whom do you think they’ll bring along? Primarily, they’ll likely focus on Ukrainians who have successfully integrated themselves within Europe, and it’s very probable that they would extend job offers to these individuals back in their home country,” he highlighted.

However, although economic growth and further development are undoubtedly important, stable peace remains the primary precondition for the return of the people, as well as for Ukraine’s economic growth and prosperity.


‘We cannot force people to come back’

Brussels announced that the European Commission will appoint a special envoy for Ukrainians in the EU.

This will assist in offering improved guidance to Ukrainians regarding shifting to a new legal standing beyond temporary protection, as well as facilitate a step-by-step return and reintroduction into Ukraine.

Chernyshov states that numerous Ukrainians wish to go back home, and they have shown this willingness.

Following the retreat of Russian forces from the Kiev area by the Ukrainian army, many individuals quickly headed back home whenever possible.

“In March 2022 a lot of people returned to Kyiv and other cities, and it actually gives a great example,” Chernyshov said, adding that many regularly go to Ukraine to visit their families and friends while temporarily being based abroad.

In an unprecedented move, Kyiv created the Ministry of National Unity with the aim of encouraging individuals to return permanently and settle down someday. The country is also currently focusing on implementing policies for dual and multiple citizenship.

However, Chernyshov stated that Kyiv neither can nor will compel individuals to return. “Forcing anyone to come back is out of the question; this is simply unfeasible,” he added.

“The sole incentive to return to Ukraine is a prosperous country and your deep affection for your home nation. Only these two elements encourage Ukrainians to come back and thoughtfully consider this choice. There won’t be any coercive measures implemented; it’s purely about voluntary encouragement,” he clarified.

Ukraine can do as much as it can to motivate the people with the administrative and economic incentives, but as long as Ukrainian cities are still being bombed and attacked, it is harder to convince people to come back.

In this case, the decision to return home to Ukraine for many will depend not on Brussels or Kyiv, but on Moscow choosing whether to continue its war against Ukraine.

Article Categories:
immigration · politics · refugees · ukraine · ukraine politics

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