One in Six Ukrainians Has Relocated Due to the War

War-Driven Internal Migration in Ukraine

According to Главком: The Civic Network Opora has documented major shifts in Ukraine’s internal migration patterns caused by the conflict, with serious implications for the electoral system. According to a survey, 71.5% of respondents-equivalent to one in six Ukrainians-have moved as a direct result of hostilities. This has led to 28.5% of citizens living outside their official place of registration; in Kyiv, that figure reaches 44%.

Impact on the Electoral System

Data shows that the vast majority of displaced people-88%-relocated only once or twice. As Opora noted,

“at the same time, 88% moved only once or twice. So this is not about constant mobility, but rather one-time, mostly forced moves for extended periods.”

These changes in where Ukrainians live directly affect the formation of election commissions, the number of polling stations, and the distribution of ballots.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that elections in Ukraine can only take place after the war ends. He noted that 90% of Ukrainians oppose holding elections during active combat. Experts from Opora emphasize that migration has caused

“a one-time but massive shift in voter addresses,”

requiring urgent updates to the State Voter Register. They argue that legislative changes to address this must be adopted before martial law ends.

Additionally, President Zelenskyy indicated that his decision to run for a second term will depend on the war’s conclusion and the country’s conditions. Volodymyr Paniotto, Director General of the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology, also noted that any referendum on a peace agreement would likely be held alongside the presidential elections.

These findings highlight the need for Ukraine’s electoral system to adapt to new realities brought by the war. Given the major demographic changes, updating the voter register and organizing elections have become urgent priorities. The ongoing conflict and uncertainty about its end also shape the political landscape, complicating plans for elections and potential reforms.