The majority of Ukrainian refugees no longer plan to return home even after the completion of the war, reports Politeka.net.
According to a study conducted by the research agency Info Sapiens, only 43% of respondents intend to return to Ukraine in the future, marking the lowest rate since the start of the war. Even fewer (only 20%) are certain they will return home after the war ends.
As of the end of November 2024, approximately 5.2 million Ukrainian refugees were abroad, with the largest numbers settling in Germany (27%) and Poland (23%). Compared to the previous year, the number of refugees has increased by 300,000, according to Politeka.
One of the main factors influencing the change in sentiment among refugees is the significant improvement in the financial situation of Ukrainians abroad. In May 2023, only 6% of refugees could afford both basic and expensive items, while by November 2024, this figure had risen to 31.4%.
This is nearly back to the level observed among Ukrainians before the war began, when 34.7% could afford luxury purchases. Although it remains unclear whether refugees will be able to stay in Europe after the war, most Ukrainians do not view returning to Ukraine as a top priority.
The factors that may encourage a return, respondents most frequently cited include the definitive end of the war (53%), an improved standard of living in Ukraine (46%), the possibility of finding well-paying jobs (33%), the cessation of hostilities and airstrikes on cities (31%), and the restoration of peace in their home region (24%).
Source: sapiens.