Millions of Ukrainians who fled their country after Russia’s invasion in 2022 are now hoping to return home once the conflict ends. Iryna Schestova, a 50-year-old entrepreneur and real estate agent, is one of them. She had made Kyiv her home before the war, but was forced to flee again due to the ongoing fighting.
According to the United Nations, over a million Ukrainians have returned to their country since the invasion. However, more than five million remain abroad. A recent survey found that 43% of Ukrainians living overseas want to return to their homeland.
The reasons for returning vary, but many are driven by economic necessity and the desire for family reunification. Schestova had to leave her job as an entrepreneur in Kyiv due to her husband’s death and the ongoing war, making it difficult to reintegrate into life abroad.
Despite the challenges of returning home, many Ukrainians face similar struggles with finding employment and learning new languages. The lack of job opportunities and social cohesion are significant concerns for those who have been displaced by the conflict.
The Ukrainian government has launched a program to help bring displaced people back, but more needs to be done to support their reintegration. Ksenia Gedz, advocacy coordinator of Right to Protection, emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to engage with Ukrainians abroad and provide them with the necessary resources to reintegrate into society.
An end to the war would be the biggest reason for people to move back home. The concern about security is the main factor that stops many from returning, according to Gedz. “If we don’t have this air raid alert for like eight, six hours and every day drone and missile attacks, it’s very difficult to say and to communicate to Ukrainians to return,” she says.
For Iryna Schestova and her daughter Liia Kazakova, returning home is a complex issue. Kazakova struggles with the sounds of war and feels unsafe in Kyiv, making it difficult for her to sleep at night. Despite this, both women are eager to reconnect with their family and rebuild their lives once the conflict ends.
As the situation on the ground continues to unfold, it’s clear that supporting the return of displaced Ukrainians will require a comprehensive approach. By addressing the economic, social, and security concerns of those who have been forced to flee, we can help them rebuild their lives and create a brighter future for themselves and their families.
Source: https://www.npr.org/2025/08/02/nx-s1-5488809/russia-ukraine-war-ukrainians-return