In the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine, the topic of the return of internally displaced persons and those who have gone abroad is gaining increasing importance. The Kherson region has experienced significant demographic losses due to the Russian invasion: approximately 70% of the pre-war population of the right-bank communities left for other areas of Ukraine or abroad. This large-scale outflow has raised several questions about who and under what conditions will return home after the end of hostilities, and whether they will return at all.
In cooperation with Mykola Homanyuk, Candidate of Sociological Sciences, Associate Professor of the Department of Socio-Economic Geography of Kherson State University, Head of the Kherson Regional Branch of the Sociological Association of Ukraine, and deoccupied communities, the “Union” Foundation analyzed the migration attitudes of the Kherson region residents who are currently abroad.
The focus group study is based on understanding the social, economic, medical, and security factors influencing the decision to possibly return to Ukraine. The analysis is based on 8 focus group meetings with 37 participants aged 16 to 62. They were conducted in April-May 2025 among residents of the Kherson, Belozerka, Novovorontsovka, Vysokopillia, Chornobayivka, and Stanislav communities, who are currently in European countries (Poland, Germany, Lithuania, the Czech Republic, Ireland, France, Norway, Finland, Croatia, Switzerland, Romania), as well as in Georgia and Canada. The sample did not include residents of the Kherson region who are in temporarily occupied territories or on the territory of the Russian Federation for security reasons, ethical considerations, or due to limited access to these respondents and high risks to their anonymity and data protection.
One of the key features of the study was a powerful emotional component. For many participants, the topic of return was painful: in some focus groups, respondents could not hold back tears. At first, everyone wanted to return, but this desire was more related to nostalgia for pre-war life than real plans. If, at first, the answer to the question about returning was unequivocally positive, then upon further analysis of the situation and consideration of the realities, people began to consider various rational arguments for and against returning. Most concluded that it was more expedient to stay abroad now, considering several circumstances.
The change in migration attitudes in the third or fourth year of the war was significant. At first, many postponed integration into the new society, did not learn the language, did not buy things of constant use, expecting a quick return. However, over time, even the most persistent began to enroll in language courses, look for work, and prepare for life in Europe.
The decision to return depends on many personal factors:
• Housing: Having your own house or apartment in the Kherson region is a decisive motivating factor. At the same time, the destruction of housing significantly reduces the chances of returning.
• Status and work: Most migrants abroad work in positions that do not match their qualifications due to the language barrier and non-recognition of diplomas. This reduction in status is a demotivating factor for many, although some consider better salaries abroad in less-status positions as sufficient compensation.
• Age: Younger people adapt more easily abroad, while older people are more likely to return.
• Family circumstances: Long-term separation of families, especially when children have already integrated into education and society abroad, makes it difficult to return. Some families have reunited abroad, while others have lost touch and divorced.
• Medicine: Although the medical system in Ukraine has shortcomings, it is understandable and predictable for patients. In Europe, access to highly specialized free medical care is an advantage, but the bureaucracy and complexity of the system often cause stress. The medical factor is both a motivator and a demotivator for return.
• Information background: the dominance of negative news in the media, especially in Telegram channels, forms a predominantly pessimistic view of the situation in the Kherson region among those abroad.
• Social identity: fear of condemnation from community residents, especially in rural areas where everyone knows each other, creates additional psychological barriers to return. Some respondents fear that they will be considered “deserters”.
The study's analysis showed that the decision to return is not automatic and depends on a complex set of conditions, among which security, the availability of housing, infrastructure, access to medical services, the possibility of employment in the specialty, and social support are important. Although the emotional component is important, a rational approach prevails at the level of real plans.
It is expected that after the end of hostilities, migration processes will not stop, but will transform into new waves of population movement. Some people will return, while others, on the contrary, will leave. That is why the region has the task of creating conditions that will make the Kherson region an attractive place for life, development, and restoration. Community representatives emphasize that it is also essential to focus on supporting those who remain, creating conditions for their growth and life in the community, because the loss of the working population can have long-term negative consequences. Involving citizens in the recovery processes, ensuring transparency and openness inspires trust and maintains a connection with their homeland.
The migratory sentiments of Kherson region residents abroad are complex and multifaceted. They combine deep emotions with the realities of life that are changing due to war and migration. Planning for return and recovery should be based on a comprehensive understanding of these processes and require the active participation of all stakeholders. The future of the Kherson region depends on how effectively measures to create safe and comfortable living conditions are implemented, as well as on the strength of the connection between the community and those who are still far beyond its borders.
You can read the complete study here: https://sense.li/o7bdn6
The analytical report was prepared by the Kherson Regional Charitable Foundation "Union" within the framework of the initiative "Kherson region: public safety and recovery in conditions of change", implemented by the Union Foundation with the assistance of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Ukraine with the financial support of the Government of Denmark.
The report's opinions, comments, conclusions, or recommendations belong solely to the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official position of the UNDP, the UN, the Government of Denmark, and/or other international partners.
