Nearly impossible for Ukrainians to enter Russia: a 50-year ban and only 5% pass screening.

Entering Occupied Territories of Russia

According to Novyny.live: For Ukrainians, traveling to Russia has become extremely difficult due to the war, with harsh screening procedures and frequent entry denials. According to Olga Altunina, the process is humiliating and almost never successful. She noted that the only remaining entry point is Sheremetyevo Airport, where just 5–8% of Ukrainians manage to pass the filtration process. The rest are turned away and receive entry ban stamps valid for 50 years.

Leaving occupied territories also comes at a steep cost—averaging 600–700 euros per person. This is a heavy burden, especially for those already struggling financially because of the war. The Ukrainian government is actively working to bring its citizens home even before the conflict ends. Social Policy Minister Denys Uliutyn has confirmed that this is a top priority.

Housing Recovery Initiatives

In a related effort to support war-affected Ukrainians, Danylo Hetmantsev has proposed building one million apartments with mortgages at 3% interest over 25 years. This initiative aims to help those who have lost their homes or been displaced. The broader challenge of returning and reintegrating Ukrainians trapped in difficult conditions due to the war remains urgent amid ongoing hostilities.

The current situation highlights the severe obstacles Ukrainians face when trying to enter Russia or leave occupied areas. High exit costs and strict filtration procedures reflect not only individual hardships but also the wider humanitarian crisis caused by the conflict. While government housing plans could offer crucial support to those in need, their success will depend on significant effort and resources during wartime.