The lives of Ukrainian refugees abroad
Why don’t Ukrainian refugees return to Ukraine?
Published
28.03.2024
Why are Ukrainian refugees not returning to Ukraine right now? It’s because Ukraine is at war which poses a constant threat to the life of every resident of the country.
The life of every Ukrainian is in danger right now. In the first six months of the full-scale war, some 6,490 civilians were killed in Ukraine. The UN report over the first half of 2023 showed that approximately six civilians were killed and 20 were wounded per day in Ukraine. Some 86% of the victims in the Ukrainian government-controlled territory came under heavy artillery fire or airstrikes. And these are only officially verified numbers.
Thus, there is no safe place in Ukraine today as Russia attacks absolutely all regions by missiles.
There are problems with jobs in Ukraine. According to the data published by the Rating Sociological Group, around 40% of respondents lost their jobs after the start of the full-scale invasion. The reason for this is the closure of businesses and companies, particularly because the Russian occupation forces literally destroy enterprises. Some Ukrainian refugees are not sure if they are able to find a job if they return to the country amid the war.
Ukrainian people are child-centered. That is why they view their return through the prism of the needs of their children. Up to 50% of Ukrainian refugees are children – around 3 million. The surveys conducted in 2022 showed that children’s well-being is one of the most important values for Ukrainians. If a mother sees that her children have adapted and stopped experiencing stress, she will stay.
A large number of Ukrainians will return when the war is over. In July 2023, some 67% respondents said they would “definitely” or “most likely” come back to Ukraine. However, the danger factor, primarily for children, and inability to have a pre-war level of life make it impossible for Ukrainians to return home.
Why do Ukrainian men live abroad and do not go to fight for their country?
Published
29.05.2024
It is necessary to refrain from generalizing. Not all Ukrainian men must and are able to fight. Many of those staying abroad have absolutely legal grounds for this. And a lot of men returned to Ukraine at the beginning of the full-scale invasion.
Not all men are able and obliged to go to war. According to the Ukrainian legislation, men who have three or more minor children, men who raise children on their own or are caregivers for persons with disabilities, as well as men who are unfit for military service due to health reasons or are reserved as employees of critical infrastructure enterprises are not subject to mobilization. All such men can be allowed to travel abroad. Such permits are also absolutely legally issued for servicemen who cross the border for treatment, rehabilitation or military training, as well as drivers, railway workers or sailors on international routes, culture workers, athletes or coaches participating in international competitions.
Also, there are Ukrainian men who had left abroad before the war in Ukraine, integrated and became representatives of Ukrainian diaspora there – this is also a normal practice.
In addition, a lot of men returned to Ukraine at the beginning of the full-scale invasion to fight for their country. In the first five days of the full-scale war alone, almost 80,000 Ukrainians, most of whom were men, came back to Ukraine from abroad.
Of course, there are Ukrainian men who used their opportunities and fled abroad to avoid mobilization. And there is a certain percentage of such people in every society.
Why do Ukrainians who fled Ukraine due to the war frequently return for visits?
Published
16.10.2024
It is indeed dangerous in Ukraine, and the war has made life very difficult for all Ukrainians. Most refugees currently cannot return to Ukraine for permanent residence because of security concerns. However, short-term trips to Ukraine are extremely important for them as it is a chance to keep their families together and see their loved ones at least occasionally.
Life in Ukraine has become dangerous in the face of Russia’s unprovoked war of aggression. The war has complicated the lives of every Ukrainian: those Ukrainians who stayed in Ukraine live under constant threat, and many others had to flee abroad and become refugees. Due to the lack of security in any part of the country, most refugees are currently hesitant to return to Ukraine for permanent residence. However, many of them occasionally visit their loved ones in Ukraine, as this is the only chance they have to keep their families together and keep in touch with their relatives. For example, women with children often become refugees, and their husbands who are liable for military service are not allowed to travel abroad. Therefore, in order to keep their families together, women have to come to Ukraine occasionally for a short period of time. Some refugees have elderly parents, who were unable to travel abroad and decided to stay in Ukraine. In this case, it is important for children to visit their parents from time to time if possible.
learn more4 answers
learn more3 answers