Ukrainian citizens living in different parts of the world continue to actively participate in the country’s life, even from abroad. They follow the news, organize support actions, and make donations. Sociologists from Vox Ukraine and Factum Group made these conclusions based on extensive research. What challenges Ukrainians face when they leave the country and whether they plan to return are discussed below.
WHO WAS INTERVIEWED
Researchers interviewed groups of Ukrainians who stayed abroad and those who returned. The results showed that our citizens remain involved in life in Ukraine even when they are in other countries.
Factum Group conducted a sociological representative survey of 1,400 Ukrainian refugees in July and August last year. Among them were those who were abroad at the time of the survey and those who had already returned home.
The respondents answered several questions about what factors made them leave and what factors, on the contrary, drove them to return. They were also asked to compare aspects of life in Ukraine and abroad.
80% of the respondents are Ukrainian women, 44% of whom have children. More than 50% of IDPs have lived in Germany and Poland, 7% in the Czech Republic, and 4% in other countries from Australia to the United States.
LEVEL OF ENGAGEMENT
Ukrainians abroad have shown interest in what is happening in Ukraine and actively expressed their civic position. 90% of respondents watch news about Ukraine several times a week or more. About 60% of Ukrainians abroad read news about Ukraine every day. Only 15% never share news about Ukraine among their community abroad, while 30% regularly do so.
More than 70% of Ukrainians abroad make charitable contributions to Ukraine, and about the same number of respondents help their relatives left behind. More than 40% of refugees participate in actions to support Ukraine abroad, and approximately 40% volunteer.
What motivates refugees to return
Among Ukrainians living abroad, 64% want to return, 13% do not, and the rest have yet to decide. Of those who have returned, 7% plan to leave Ukraine again, 56% want to stay home, and the rest will choose depending on the situation.
Those who are not attached to their families, those who have parents at home, and those who have worked for Ukrainian companies remotely are more likely to return.
The main factors that significantly affect the probability of return are:
- homesickness and family;
- the desire for children to receive education in Ukraine;
- better employment opportunities in Ukraine;
- availability of real estate at home.
Among those who stayed abroad, those who dreamed of emigrating before the war do not plan to return. Also, those who have been granted refugee status, have improved their quality of life abroad, and have not visited Ukraine since February 2022 are less likely to return.
In their conclusions, the researchers emphasized that refugees should not be treated as a loss. It is better to view them as an asset that can serve as a tool of “people’s diplomacy,” contributing to the support of Ukraine abroad. In addition, refugees remain an essential source of material assistance. Most Ukrainians abroad send aid to their relatives in Ukraine.
