Statement

by Minister of Social Policy, Family and Unity of Ukraine

 
H.E. Mr. Denys Uliutin at Round Table 2 of

the second International Migration Review Forum

(5 May 2026)

Chair, distinguished colleagues,

For Ukraine, the question of return is very relevant. It is shaped directly by war.

Millions of our citizens have left because of security risks. At the same time, millions remain internally displaced. Movement is not linear — people return, leave again, or delay decisions depending on how the situation evolves.

This is why we approach return not as an event, but as a system.

First, return must be voluntary, informed and realistic. Decisions are based not only on safety, but on whether people can rebuild their lives — whether there is housing, access to services, schools for children, healthcare and employment opportunities.

Second, reintegration capacity is the critical constraint. If communities cannot absorb returnees, return becomes fragile. In Ukraine, we see clearly that housing, local services and labour market access are decisive factors.

This is why our response focuses on system building and preparedness.

We are expanding community-based social services, including Resilience Centres that provide psychosocial support and practical assistance close to where people live.

We are strengthening support for internally displaced persons through housing solutions, such as rental subsidies and preferential mortgage schemes, and integration into host communities.

Importantly, our IDP policy is designed not only for internal integration, but also for future return — including for those who will come back from abroad.

At the same time, we are building structured engagement with Ukrainians abroad.

Through digital services and outreach formats such as Unity Hubs, we provide access to information, documentation and future reintegration pathways. The first Hub in Berlin has already demonstrated strong demand, particularly for pension and social protection consultations.

A key lesson from our experience under war is that reintegration policy must be prepared before large-scale return begins. Waiting until people come back is too late.

Main focus should be on investment in local infrastructure – not just buildings and roads, but also services.

Finally, cooperation with host countries is essential. Return planning requires coordination on information, status, access to services and realistic timelines.

Our conclusion is simple: sustainable return depends less on declarations and more on the capacity of systems — housing, services, jobs and communities — to receive people.

This is where we should focus our joint efforts.

Thank you.