- May 31, 2026
- 2:30 pm
- Ukraine
Sybiga named a new figure of Ukrainians abroad
About 8 million Ukrainians are currently forced to be outside the country. This figure was announced by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Andriy Sybiga, during the ‘government question hour’ in the Verkhovna Rada on Friday, May 29, 2026.
According to the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this is no longer just about migration statistics. For Ukraine, it is becoming a matter of security, demography, economic recovery, and the future labor market. Sybiga emphasized that the state will prepare steps to stimulate the return of citizens home, but the key conditions remain safety and normal living conditions in Ukraine itself.
This wording is important: Kyiv effectively acknowledges that after the great war, the issue of people’s return will not be resolved automatically. Millions of Ukrainians have already adapted in Europe, Israel, North America, and other countries, children have gone to school, adults have started working, and families have gained new experiences living abroad.
Why the return of Ukrainians has become a strategic task
Sybiga said that Ukraine is discussing with partners mechanisms to support the return of citizens. As an example, he mentioned Switzerland, where a program is in place to assist those Ukrainians who decide to return: covering travel expenses and providing support with housing rent for the first period.
But the minister also pointed out another side of the problem. Not all countries are interested in the quick departure of Ukrainians because they have already become part of local economies. Many work, pay taxes, fill staffing shortages, quickly adapt, and possess qualifications that are in demand in host countries.
For the Israeli audience, this topic is particularly acute. Israel is well aware of what a large diaspora, war, forced relocation, connection with the homeland, and the complex choice between returning, integrating, and starting a new life mean. Therefore, Sybiga’s statement is not only an internal Ukrainian issue but part of a broader discussion about the future of Ukrainian communities abroad, including the Ukrainian community in Israel.
The figure of 8 million differs from EU statistics
It is important to distinguish between different categories here. According to Eurostat, as of March 31, 2026, there were 4.33 million people under temporary protection in EU countries who fled Ukraine after the start of Russia’s full-scale aggression. Most of these people were in Germany — 1,274,955, in Poland — 961,405, in the Czech Republic — 379,820.
But Sybiga’s statement is broader than just EU statistics on temporary status. These 8 million may include Ukrainians not only in the European Union but also in other countries, as well as people with different legal statuses: temporary protection, residence permits, work, study, family grounds, long-term stay.
That is why the figure appears higher than the European statistics on temporary protection. It reflects not only refugee status but the entire scale of Ukrainian presence abroad after 2022.
What this means for Ukraine, Israel, and the Ukrainian diaspora
For Ukraine, the return of people is a matter of the country’s recovery. Without millions of citizens, it is more difficult to boost the economy, start businesses, rebuild cities, support the army, education system, healthcare, and pension model. The longer people stay abroad, the more likely it is that some of them will not return or will live between two countries.
In the midst of this topic, it is important to see the Israeli context: NANews — News of Israel | Nikk.Agency views such statements not only as Ukrainian policy but also as a signal for the Russian-speaking, Ukrainian-speaking, and Jewish audience in Israel. In Israel, there are repatriates from Ukraine, Ukrainians who permanently reside in the country, families who arrived after Russia’s invasion in 2022, as well as those who maintain ties with Ukraine through relatives, business, volunteering, and culture.
For them, the question of return does not always sound like a simple ‘to go or not to go.’ Often it is a choice between the safety of children, work, documents, elderly relatives, a home in Ukraine, and a new reality in Israel or Europe.
Youth factor: the outflow of 18–22-year-olds is not yet considered critical
Separately, the topic of youth is voiced in the Ukrainian agenda. Earlier, the Minister of Youth and Sports of Ukraine, Matvey Bedny, stated that there is currently no mass uncontrolled outflow of young people aged 18–22 abroad. According to him, some young people leave for studies, academic mobility, and personal development, but a significant part maintains ties with Ukraine and returns.
This is an important clarification because panic around youth migration is often used in political debates. For the state, the real task is not to close all opportunities for people but to maintain connections: education, language, professional prospects, participation in the country’s recovery.
The main problem is not the number, but the conditions for return
The number 8 million sounds sharp, but the more important question is: what can Ukraine offer these people after the war or during a period of prolonged instability. Calls for patriotism alone will not be enough.
Security, housing, work, clear rules for business, schools for children, healthcare, social support, and trust in the state are needed. If these conditions are created, the return will become a real process. If not, a significant part of Ukrainians will remain abroad, even while maintaining emotional and cultural ties with Ukraine.
For Israel and the Ukrainian community, this is also a long-term topic. Ukrainians abroad have already become a factor in politics, economy, media, cultural diplomacy, and public support for Ukraine. And the longer the war continues, the greater the role of these communities — not only as people who once left but also as a permanent bridge between Ukraine and the countries where they now live.