The return of Ukrainians who were forced to leave the country due to the war is one of the most important tasks for the state in the post-war period. The mass migration of Ukrainians abroad, caused by Russian aggression, has become a significant challenge for the demography, economy and social structure of the country. At the same time, this is a great loss for society, because the country lost many active, able-bodied and highly qualified citizens. In order to return these people and provide them with decent living conditions in Ukraine, it is necessary to create a favorable environment that will stimulate their desire to reconnect with the Motherland. This requires not only financial investments, but also a well-thought-out state policy that will take into account the needs of citizens who have survived war and forced migration.
The meeting was chaired by Zelenskyi
On December 27, 2024, the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a working meeting with government officials on the creation of economic and social incentives for Ukrainians to work in Ukraine.
The head of the Ukrainian state said about this video messages.
“Today, a lot of attention was paid to internal issues – those solutions, those innovations that are needed in the future so that Ukraine has the opportunity to return as many of our people as possible who left because of the war. And we must create all the necessary economic and social incentives for Ukrainians to work in Ukraine, to work for Ukraine, to create more potential for Ukraine in order to be equal in global competition. The Ukrainian people have proven their courage and can demonstrate to the world their ability to rebuild, to rebuild from the ruins.
Tomorrow, we are preparing for a conversation with representatives of Ukrainian business – about what systemic solutions are needed now and in the future to give Ukraine more confidence and a strong economic breath.” – said Zelensky.
According to the president, during the meeting, specific mechanisms were discussed that could stimulate Ukrainians to return. Among them are the creation of new jobs, the development of housing infrastructure, social support programs, preferential lending for businesses, and support for educational initiatives.
The President emphasized that Ukrainians should feel that they are needed in the Motherland. For this, the state must offer them conditions that will allow them to realize their potential and feel safe.
“We have to create all the opportunities so that every Ukrainian who left would want to return home.” Zelenskyi said.
The meeting was attended by the vice-prime ministers who are responsible for the key directions of the country’s economic development. They jointly developed an action plan aimed at involving citizens in the reconstruction process of Ukraine.
What is currently lacking for the return of Ukrainians
Despite the announced ambitious plans, Ukraine still lacks a clear strategy and the necessary conditions for the mass return of refugees. The main problems remain:
- insufficiently developed infrastructure for providing housing;
- low level of wages compared to European countries;
- lack of stability and security guarantees;
- lack of systemic support for small and medium-sized businesses, which could become a source of new jobs.
Solving these problems requires an integrated approach, significant investments and political will. In addition, it is important to take into account the experience of European countries that have successfully overcome similar challenges in the past.
We will remind you that on December 4, the Cabinet of Ministers decided to change the name of the Ministry for Reintegration of the Temporarily Occupied Territories of Ukraine. From now on, it is called the Ministry of National Unity of Ukraine, it was headed by the newly appointed Deputy Prime Minister — Minister of National Unity Oleksiy Chernyshov.
The Ministry will receive new tasks, in particular the institutional strengthening of the policy regarding Ukrainians who were forced to emigrate abroad in different years. This direction is one of the key ones in the Internal Stability Plan presented by the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyi. The main goal is to develop and implement programs that will help return Ukrainians home.
In the near future, Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Chernyshov should present a specific action plan aimed at building a new ministry and fulfilling its strategic tasks.
The return of refugees is not only a demographic issue, but also a key aspect of the economic and social revival of Ukraine. Citizens who went abroad have accumulated new experience, knowledge and skills that can become important for building a modern state.
Ukraine faces an important challenge: to create conditions that will allow every Ukrainian to feel at home again. This process takes time, but its success depends on the determination of the state and the active participation of society.
