Forced Migration of the Population During the Full-Scale Invasion of Russia Into Ukraine

Abstract

Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine on February 24, 2022 began with the bombing of populated areas on the territory of Ukraine and caused massive destruction of civilian (residential) infrastructure. Accordingly, the Russian war against Ukraine led to large-scale migration of the population both to the safer western regions of the country and beyond. Quantitative indicators of forced population migration are disclosed in the article with the help of statistical, analysis and synthesis, comparative and geographical. According to UN data, 11.4 million Ukrainians left their homes in the first months of the full-scale invasion. Today, 4.9 million people live abroad, 7.1 million people have the status of internally displaced persons. But at the same time, 2.3 million people have already returned to Ukraine. The geographical aspects of external forced migration are defined. The largest share of forced migrants from Ukraine was registered in Poland and Germany. The sex-age structure of forced migrants abroad is also determined. Based on the descriptive method, the reasons that prompted Ukrainians to choose the appropriate country are highlighted, namely: preference for a country where migrants have acquaintances or relatives; proximity to the border, i.e. migration to neighboring countries; employment opportunities and social benefits. Quantitative characteristics and geography of resettlement within the country of internally displaced persons are analyzed. Separated groups of the population that are least likely to return to Ukraine. Namely, these are mobile layers of the population; persons who planned to go abroad before February 24; seasonal workers abroad; the population that was under occupation lost their homes or loved ones. Issues of facilitating the return of Ukrainian migrants abroad to their homes are highlighted. That is why it is important to develop a policy aimed at creating favorable conditions for the return of Ukrainians and not to lose contact with them. After a full-scale war ends and the security situation stabilizes, there will be a need to create opportunities for return, primarily in terms of housing and employment.