Ukraine Seeks Solutions: How to Bring Citizens Back and Maintain Ties with the Diaspora

On April 2, 2026, an important expert online discussion was held in the capital of Ukraine, Kyiv, centered around the topic of 'Return, Reintegration, and Cooperation with the Diaspora'. This event was organized by the Institute of Demography and Social Studies named after Mikhail Ptukha of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, the All-Ukrainian Association of International Employment Companies, and the public organization 'Migration Policy Office', with the backing of the International Renaissance Foundation.

The discussion was part of the preparation for the draft Strategy for State Migration Policy of Ukraine until 2035, focusing on the labor resource aspect. This strategy aims to provide systematic solutions related to the return of citizens, the integration of internally displaced persons, the involvement of foreign specialists, and the improvement of migration process management. Implementing these approaches is critically important for Ukraine's economic development and the preservation of its human capital.

The primary goal of the event was to formulate practical solutions in the area of returning Ukrainians and effectively interacting with the diaspora. Participants emphasized that the return policy should be based on creating comprehensive conditions for the sustainable return of citizens and their successful reintegration into Ukrainian society and the economy.

Keynote speaker Ella Libanova, director of the Institute of Demography and Social Studies named after Mikhail Ptukha, outlined the scale of the challenges facing the state amid war and mass migration. 'The conversation is difficult and complex, but its outcome determines the existence of the Ukrainian nation... We must understand that we cannot bring back all Ukrainians abroad. This is impossible for various reasons, primarily economic. However, we must do everything to ensure that those who do not return become lobbyists for Ukrainian interests, for the interests of the Ukrainian nation, and for the interests of the Ukrainian state,' she emphasized.

Olexiy Poznyak, head of the migration department at the Institute of Demography and Social Studies, noted that the reintegration of returnees involves the development of state and regional programs aimed at ensuring the safe and sustainable return of citizens from abroad. 'An effective model of reintegration for Ukrainians who left due to the war must focus on sustainable return — that is, creating conditions under which people not only come back to Ukraine but also have the motivation to build their lives here in the long term,' he stated.

Participants also stressed that effective return policy is impossible without international cooperation and interaction with the countries where Ukrainians reside. 'Protecting the rights and interests of our citizens abroad, as well as preserving and developing the Ukrainian language and culture, is one of the main priorities of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine and its diplomatic missions abroad... Cooperation with the Ukrainian community and diaspora is a key element in preserving our national identity and supporting the unity of Ukrainians worldwide,' noted Tetyana Kolotylova, a representative of the Department of Global Ukrainian Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.

Special attention was given to the role of trade unions in shaping return policy and ensuring decent working conditions for returning citizens. 'Trade unions must not be mere observers but full-fledged participants in the development of return policy... In fact, we are talking about making return policy not only a migration issue but primarily a policy of decent work, as people stay where they feel stability, security, and future prospects,' emphasized Yevheniy Hostumynskyi, acting deputy head of the Federation of Trade Unions of Ukraine.

It was also highlighted that the economic model of return should be based on systemic changes in the labor market and social policy. 'The economic model for the return of Ukrainians should not be formed through artificial benefits for specific categories, but on the foundation of European standards of decent work and effective social dialogue... Only equal playing fields, protection of labor rights, and investment in human capital will ensure the competitiveness of the economy and make returning home a truly beneficial decision,' stated Anna Puhachova, head of the economic development department at the Federation of Trade Unions of Ukraine.

Dmytro Dehtiar, co-founder of HRD Club Ukraine, also emphasized that domestic businesses are already radically changing working conditions, realizing that financial incentives alone are insufficient for full competition with European employers. 'Companies are transitioning to human-centered ecosystems, such as the MHP Recruitment Ecosystem, and actively supporting the entrepreneurial ambitions of youth and veterans. Bright examples include attracting grants from the KSE Foundation, particularly the Talents for Ukraine program with $1 million for talented specialists, as well as extensive integration with the government program 'Own Business', which provides thousands of micro-grants for starting and developing small businesses (over 10,600 grants in 2025). Such practical steps create an environment where talented workers have incentives to develop specifically in Ukraine,' he noted.

As a result of the discussion, participants concluded that an effective return policy for Ukrainians must be comprehensive, long-term, and based on a combination of economic incentives, social guarantees, international cooperation, and systematic work with the Ukrainian diaspora. 'The return of Ukrainians is not a one-time event but a long-term and complex process that depends on security, economic conditions, and trust in the state. At the same time, we must work much broader — not only on return but also on maintaining ties with Ukrainians abroad and involving them in the country's development. Therefore, our task today is to formulate practical solutions that will be taken into account in refining the Strategy for State Migration Policy of Ukraine until 2035,' concluded the participants of the event.