Leaving Ukraine Doesn’t Weaken National Ties—Study Finds Emigration Actually Strengthens Identity.

Research on Ukrainian Emigration

According to Espreso.tv: A study conducted by the Sociological Research Laboratory at the Institute of National Resilience and Security reveals that Ukrainians forced to emigrate due to war are not losing their connection to their homeland—on the contrary, their national identity is growing stronger. The research involved 100 in-depth interviews with Ukrainians living abroad across five European countries: Belgium, France, Italy, Germany, and Poland.

As of April 2026, approximately 4.37 million Ukrainian citizens reside in European Union nations. Germany hosts the largest Ukrainian diaspora, with 1.28 million people, followed by Poland at 971,000. Other significant communities include:

• Belgium — 88,000
• France — 48,000
• Italy — 41,000

Rena Marutian, a representative of the Institute of National Resilience and Security, stated that these findings challenge the common assumption that emigration weakens ties to one’s home country. She emphasized that living abroad generally reinforces Ukrainian identity and a sense of national belonging.

Impact of Hybrid Warfare

Additionally, the study documented active Russian influence on Ukrainian communities through anonymous Telegram channels in June 2026. Researchers identified a system of Russian hybrid influence that includes:

• a church-based channel
• pseudo-Ukrainian organizations
• academic and cultural outreach
• digital disinformation
• everyday life and social settings
• political lobbying

These factors pose a threat to the identity of Ukrainians abroad, even as they strive to maintain their connection to Ukraine.

The study by the Institute of National Resilience and Security shows that despite emigration, Ukrainians living overseas actively preserve their national identity. This insight is crucial for understanding sociocultural dynamics within the Ukrainian diaspora and for shaping policies that support Ukrainians outside the country. At the same time, the threat of Russian hybrid influence demands attention and action from Ukrainian institutions to protect identity and cultural heritage in the face of modern challenges.