INTRODUCTION
The issue of Ukrainian refugees in Western countries has remained relevant since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. The massive displacement of millions of people from Ukraine creates strategic social, economic, and demographic challenges for the future of our country, driving the formation of a political discourse around the return of Ukrainians to their homeland, which is becoming increasingly popular. It is clear that the continuation of the war, accompanied by widespread destruction and the devastation of civilian infrastructure, does not facilitate productive discussions about the return of refugees. However, this issue will inevitably arise for Ukraine, as the end of the war will bring to the forefront the urgent need to rebuild the economy, which will require significant labor resources.
The full-scale war has also dealt a blow to the demographic situation in Ukraine. Approximately 6 million Ukrainian citizens are currently in Europe, with another 2 million in Russia and Belarus. After more than two years of war, refugees have adapted to their new living conditions, and, likely, a significant portion will not return to Ukraine.
At the same time, Ukraine needs to engage all its citizens in the processes of economic recovery, European integration, and maintaining stable peace after the war ends. Even now, there is a shortage of labor resources in Ukraine's job market. The influx of funds for post-war reconstruction and investments in the economy will lead to the creation of new jobs. The implementation of new projects will be impossible without a sufficient number of qualified workers.
Ukrainian citizens who decide to remain permanently in other countries should also have the opportunity to maintain economic, cultural, and political ties with their homeland, as well as with their relatives and friends.
The state is intensifying efforts to cooperate with Ukrainians abroad and is demonstrating its readiness to create additional incentives for the return of refugees. This report aims to analyze the refugee situation, identify their motivations, and develop proposals for state institutions and society regarding the reintegration of refugees.
SUMMARY
The decision of Ukrainians to leave their homes was influenced by several groups of factors, among which several key motives can be identified. First of all, it is a matter of safety. According to refugee surveys, 76% cited the threat to life as the reason for emigration, and 72% cited the threat of occupation of their place of residence by the aggressor state. About 60% of respondents indicated that they left the country after losing their jobs due to military actions in Ukraine. The lack of sufficient social guarantees, medical services, and education for children was another reason why many families sought a better life abroad. Accordingly, these issues must be resolved for a return decision. Ensuring security in Ukraine involves not only the cessation of hostilities and stable peace, but also the provision of an adequate humanitarian situation in the regions affected by the war. In the economic sphere, refugees are concerned not only about employment issues but also about the general state of the economy, including inflation, wages, and opportunities for business development. Social conditions, including access to medical services, education, and housing, are important factors influencing the decision to return.
The attitude of Ukrainians who remain in the territory of Ukraine towards refugees is not unambiguous. For example, women with children who leave dangerous regions are generally treated positively and with empathy. At the same time, the attitude towards men of conscription age who illegally left Ukraine after the start of the full-scale war is predominantly negative. Their potential return and reintegration into Ukraine pose a particular challenge for society and require the development of separate legal mechanisms and an open dialogue on this issue.
When developing its repatriation strategy, Ukraine should draw on the experience of other countries, including Israel. Successful international models provide for the creation of a legal framework and infrastructure, i.e., clear mechanisms for repatriation, including legal aspects, social services, and economic support. Cooperation with international organizations, in particular the UNHCR, as well as with Ukrainian diaspora organizations, is also important.
Ensuring sustainable peace depends on the work of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and Ukrainian diplomacy, with the support of international partners. At the same time, the state can offer several economic incentive programs for the return of refugees. It is important that this does not create unfair advantages compared to citizens who remained in the country during the full-scale war. Therefore, the programs should be diversified, with special conditions for those who lost property in the occupied territories or combat zones. Such economic incentives may include preferential mortgages, health insurance, savings amnesty, and tax benefits. Large investment projects, such as the construction of new economic clusters, will be an important stimulus for attracting qualified workers.
The "Phoenix" project proposes the creation of new cities near nuclear power plants, which will become centers of economic activity and housing for displaced persons. These cities will be provided with access to cheap electricity, preferential conditions for business, and developed social infrastructure, stimulating the return of refugees.
The state must strengthen its institutional capacity to work with the diaspora, including millions of citizens who left the country during the full-scale war. The main directions should include refugees' access to informational programs about Ukraine, educational and legal services, and ensuring cultural and religious needs.
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