Absolute majority of refugees plan to return to Ukraine – survey results

75% of refugees displaced after the start of the full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022, plan to return to Ukraine. In general, the number of displaced persons who want to return is 67%.

These figures are the result of the survey on media consumption and public and political activity of Ukrainians abroad, which was conducted from April 8 to May 19, 2023 in the UK, Israel, Spain, Germany, the U.S., Hungary and the Czech Republic.

During the presentation of the study results at Media Center Ukraine – Ukrinform, Anastasia Romaniuk, Analyst at OPORA Civil Network,noted that the return plans are influenced by factors such as how well adapted Ukrainians are abroad, whether they have a high-paying job, whether they speak the local language, what their relationship with the local population is, etc.

However, according to analysts, the three most popular factors prompting return are primarily an emotional connection with the Motherland (43%), restoration of security in the region (43%) and reunification with family (38%). However, there are differences in different age groups.

“Yes, for younger respondents the most important factor is the availability of work in Ukraine, while for older respondents the most important factor is the restoration of security in their region. For respondents over 51 years old, the emotional connection with Ukraine is the most significant,” Anastasia Romaniuk said.

The research consisted of three parts: an online survey of 1,000 respondents regarding public and political activity, an online survey of 2,000 respondents regarding media consumption, and 43 in-depth interviews.

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