Ukrainians Abroad: Czech Republic Will Be One of the First Countries to Launch the Unity Hub.

The Ukrainian Unity Hub Will Open in the Czech Republic

Minister of National Unity Oleksiy Chernyshov announced the opening of the Ukrainian Unity Hub, also known as Unity Hubs, in the Czech Republic. The purpose of this project is to adapt Ukrainians living in the Czech Republic to local realities.

Currently, there are about 350,000 Ukrainians living in the Czech Republic, which accounts for almost half of all Ukrainians in the country. In total, over 600,000 Ukrainians reside in the Czech Republic, making them the largest national minority.

'Ukrainians, especially children, abroad must maintain their national identity. We are talking about integration into the societies of other countries, not assimilation. This is a very important issue that needs to be worked on,' Chernyshov noted.

The minister believes that many Ukrainians who have been in the Czech Republic since 2022 are seriously considering the possibility of returning to Ukraine when the security situation allows for it.

'Most people dream of returning home. This is normal, it is natural for people... A significant number, I am not saying the majority, when security issues are resolved, after the war ends, are seriously considering the possibility of returning, and we are very pleased about this. Ukraine needs people, it needs development, steps forward,' the minister said.

Chernyshov acknowledged that there are difficulties for those who have already returned to Ukraine, but solutions are being worked on. The state is implementing various programs, including the possibility of obtaining a mortgage for purchasing housing with partial compensation from the state. Compensation programs are also planned for those who lost their homes, as well as employment programs that are actively being developed with the help of 'unity hubs'.

Ukraine is actively cooperating with the governments and communities of European countries, including Poland, Germany, and the Czech Republic. Decisions regarding the provision of premises for Ukrainians will be made in the near future.

The minister emphasized that Ukraine does not differentiate between Ukrainians who are in the country and those who are abroad.

'Today we are a nation of 60 million people, of which 32 million are in Ukraine, the rest are abroad, most of them due to military actions. We treat everyone with respect,' Chernyshov stressed.