Kyiv advocates for the cessation of aid to Ukrainian refugees in Europe – El País.

The Ukrainian government supports the reduction of EU aid to Ukrainian refugees in order to encourage their return to their homeland, reported the Spanish newspaper El País.

According to the newspaper, the Ukrainian government is establishing a Ministry of National Unity, which aims to attract citizens from abroad and address the demographic crisis in the country.

After the Russian aggression, many citizens of Ukraine left the country and are still abroad. The government seeks their return due to a serious demographic problem in Ukraine.

Kyiv is considering various solutions, including reducing assistance to European countries for refugees and restricting consular services for men of conscription age, due to the potential risk of losing millions of citizens.

The problem is deeper than it seems

Sociologist Olga Pishchulina emphasizes that the lack of a clear mechanism for the return of refugees is the main problem. The return depends on meeting certain conditions, including ensuring security. Refugees also wish to have access to quality education and medical care upon return.

According to the Razumkov Center, Ukraine needs 3.1-4.5 million jobs by 2032 to achieve 7% annual economic growth. However, rebuilding the country after the war requires $411 billion, significantly exceeding the country's GDP.

In addition to economic issues, Ukraine also faces a demographic decline. According to sociologists, the number of deaths exceeds the number of newborns in the first 10 months of this year.

Ukrainian journalists and researchers point to other reasons why residents do not want to return – high rental costs, family separations, and feelings of alienation compared to those who stayed. It is noted that none of the acquaintances of refugees plan to return.

According to the UN, nearly 10 million people have left Ukraine since the onset of Russian aggression. The largest number of Ukrainian refugees resides in Germany and Poland.

The Ukrainian government has created a Ministry of National Unity, which should assist in the return of refugees. A work plan for this ministry is expected to be presented soon, and its effectiveness will be assessed.

Ukraine is also launching a pilot project aimed at facilitating the return of Ukrainians from abroad.