Attachments
Key Findings
As of 25 May, IOM estimates that 4.8 million individuals in Ukraine have returned to their homes following a period of displacement due to the large-scale invasion. While feasibility of sustainable reintegration and long-term intentions are subject to change and affected by conflict dynamics, 88 per cent of returnees expressed their intention to remain in their current location (est. 4.2 million individuals). Sixty-four percent of all returnees are located in only five oblasts – Kyiv city and Kyivska, Kharkivska, Dnipropetrovska, and Odeska.
A quarter of returnees (26%) experienced displacement for over a year before returning home, and inter-oblast displacement remains prevalent, with 47 per cent of returnees who reported having returned to a different oblast within Ukraine. The average of days in displacement before return was 113 days. Whereas the average number of days since the return was 270 days.
This report brings previously unavailable data on return as a durable solution in Ukraine, assessing the returnees’ situation along the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) Durable Solutions criteria. Security concerns, limited participation in public affairs, and difficulties in covering basic expenses were found to be significant obstacles to sustainable reintegration and achievement of a durable solution among returnees, potentially triggering further displacement. The data suggests that decision-making on redisplacement or relocation is largely related to the economic factors, public participation, and access to adequate housing in areas of return.
Overall, however, only a very small percentage (5%) of returnees are considering re-displacement. This figure is the lowest ever recorded since the start of IOM’s survey among returnees in April 2022. Among those returnees who consider leaving, returnees show a higher inclination to move abroad compared to IDPs (31% vs. 23%), with Germany and Poland being the most mentioned destinations.
Financial assistance is the most critical need mentioned by returnees (58%). Alarmingly, in the top 5 return oblasts, over half of all returnees fully depleted their savings, reduced food and essential expenses, and sought more affordable alternatives.
The data reveal increasing tensions among groups in communities across Ukraine. Returnees exhibit the highest level of perceived tension concerning government-provided social assistance, with 26 per cent expressing such sentiments. Access to cash assistance is identified as the primary cause of community tensions.