Maintaining Ties with Ukrainians Abroad
Ukraine has begun developing a strategy to maintain connections with its citizens living abroad for the period 2026-2036. This plan is crucial as the nation contends with a massive wartime displacement. The strategy's core objectives are:
- preserving national identity among the diaspora;
- facilitating the voluntary return of Ukrainians;
- establishing a digital ecosystem to provide informational support.
A critical focus is preparing for the anticipated expiration of the EU's Temporary Protection Directive, which is expected in March 2027.
Initial Strategic Session Held in Kyiv
The first strategic session on this issue took place in Kyiv, attended by government officials, civil society representatives, and international experts. Currently, over 5.8 million Ukrainians who fled after February 2022 remain abroad. The document is being developed with support from the German Government through the YOUA project, implemented by GIZ Ukraine.
Ilona Havronska emphasized that as the temporary protection mechanism nears its end, it is vital to ensure Ukrainians have a clear choice: transitioning to national residency permits in their host countries or receiving comprehensive assistance to return to Ukraine and reintegrate into its economy.
The strategy framework includes plans to:
- maintain cultural and informational links with Ukrainians overseas;
- create conditions for voluntary repatriation;
- launch a dedicated platform to provide services for those planning a return.
This initiative represents a significant step for Ukraine in preserving bonds with its citizens abroad, especially amid global shifts and the potential end of temporary protection. It offers new avenues for safeguarding national interests and opens pathways for Ukrainians to actively participate in the country's economic recovery. The involvement of international partners, such as the German Government, underscores the importance of this process within the context of global cooperation and support for displaced Ukrainians.