Ukraine seeks return of eight million citizens abroad, FM says

About 8 million Ukrainian citizens have been forced to leave the country, posing a growing security challenge and prompting Kyiv to develop measures to encourage their return, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said on May 29.

Speaking during a government question session in the Verkhovna Rada, Sybiha said the scale of displacement exceeds earlier estimates. “According to our data, not even six, but eight million Ukrainians are forcibly abroad. For us, this is already becoming a security challenge. We say directly that the necessary measures will be taken, the necessary steps will be developed to stimulate or create appropriate conditions for the return of Ukrainians home,” he said.

Sybiha described the return of citizens as a central strategic objective, stressing that improved security conditions would be essential for any large-scale repatriation. He added that Kyiv is raising the issue with international partners, though “not all countries are interested in the return of Ukrainians.”

“Considering the contribution of our citizens to the development of economies, considering their level of qualifications, adaptability in these countries, therefore, in fact, we will still have to fight for our people so that they return,” he said.

The minister pointed to examples abroad, including Switzerland, which has already introduced financial incentives to encourage Ukrainian nationals to return home.

Recent data from Eurostat indicates that the number of Ukrainians under temporary protection in the European Union declined by 1.6% in March 2026, a decrease of 68,980 people. Germany continues to host the largest share, with more than 1.27 million Ukrainian citizens registered.

By Tamilla Hasanova