Interview
"They are already afraid to return." What we will lose due to the war and the departure of millions of Ukrainians
A big conversation with demographer Ella Libanova – about the fears of Ukrainians abroad, the chances of their return, the sense of Ukrainianness and the role of society

"Stories and photos are being spread on social networks that our women are luxuriating abroad . But for the most part, what kind of a party are they talking about? Sometimes they can barely make ends meet... They are already afraid to return. They are afraid that they will be considered deserters or traitors here," demographer Ella Libanova, who heads the Institute of Demography and Social Research, tells LIGA.net.
Almost 7 million Ukrainians left abroad due to the war with Russia – this is UN data from April.
If at least 50% return to Ukraine after the end of hostilities, it will be happiness, adds Libanova: every year migrants are moving further and further away from home.
From this interview with LIGA.net you will learn:
- Which of the Ukrainian refugees is unlikely to return to Ukraine?
- In which countries has the attitude towards Ukrainians deteriorated?
- why Europe is actually interested in "not letting go" of Ukrainian migrants.
Unlock to continue reading
You need to subscribe to read this article