Strichka’s In-Depth Study
Strichka conducted a comprehensive analysis of Ukraine’s engagement with active Ukrainian communities overseas, drawing insights from 30 detailed interviews with leaders of Ukrainian organizations across 12 countries. The findings were unveiled on September 18. This study identified key communication challenges and obstacles affecting Ukrainians’ willingness to return home, while proposing practical tools and recommendations to strengthen the connection between Ukraine and its diaspora.
According to UNHCR data, over 5.7 million Ukrainians have fled the country since the full-scale invasion began. Each year, Ukraine’s population declines by roughly 800,000 people, with around 500,000 emigrants not returning. The research revealed that 70% of diaspora communities receive no financial, resource, or organizational support from Ukrainian embassies or consulates. Furthermore, 73% lack direct communication channels with Ukrainian authorities, while only 20% maintain stable contact—and none of these go through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Communication Obstacles and Barriers
The quality of interaction with government bodies often depends on the ambassador or consul in place, or changes due to their rotation, as reported by 57% of respondents. Consular service issues were also frequently highlighted: 53% of communities pointed to malfunctioning services such as unreliable electronic queues, the requirement for in-person visits to collect pensions, and limited access to the Diia app and 'Reserve+' program without a Ukrainian bank account.
Notably, Ukrainian organizations abroad are deeply engaged in various activities:
- 67% provide humanitarian aid,
- 57% run cultural projects aimed at local audiences,
- 53% actively counter Russian propaganda,
- 43% focus on advocacy efforts.
When it comes to obstacles preventing Ukrainians from returning home, communities identified:
- Safety concerns (63%),
- Income and professional opportunities (53%),
- Children’s schooling in host countries (43%).
The study’s most pressing discovery is the absence of a centralized government body responsible for managing communication with Ukrainians abroad. Existing initiatives aimed at enhancing engagement include London’s 'Document' service, the Ministry of Health’s MedEvac project offering free medical treatment, the Diia mobile app, community newsletters in Finland, and a responsive chat system facilitated by Ukraine’s embassy in Slovenia.
This research highlights the urgent need to boost dialogue between the Ukrainian diaspora and the state, as many abroad face difficulties due to insufficient support from consular services and government agencies. The identified return barriers could influence Ukrainians’ decisions to come back, with significant implications for the country’s demographic future.
Understanding the dynamics of the Ukrainian diaspora is crucial, especially in light of recent findings that illustrate the challenges faced by these communities abroad. This aligns with reports indicating that more than half of Ukrainian refugees in Poland plan to return home once the conflict concludes. Such insights underscore the importance of effective communication and support systems between Ukraine and its citizens overseas.