The Ukrainian government now wants to make greater efforts to guarantee the return of war refugees living in Germany.
“A significant number of Ukrainians are seriously considering returning home,” said Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Oleksy Chernyshev. For this purpose, so-called “Unity Hubs” are planned in Berlin and later in other locations to support refugees with work and housing places or with educational opportunities.
Chernyshev prepared the opening of the centers last week during a visit to Berlin and heads a Ministry of National Unity created in December specifically for refugee returns.
The population is declining
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, more than 1.1 million Ukrainians have fled to Germany – more than to any other country. Today, only 32 million people live in Kiev in government-controlled areas. At the time of independence following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, there were still 52 million people living in all of Ukraine, according to government figures. The government estimates the number of Ukrainians living abroad at 20 to 25 million.
In view of population decline, workers in Ukraine are mainly needed for arms production, the energy sector and reconstruction, Chernyshev explained to the German news agency. These are ‘critical industries’. Returnees would be suspended from military service if they worked there. “So if you work at a power plant, you don’t get called up. You have a guarantee.”
But Ukrainians who want to stay in Germany must also be supported in the ‘Unity Hubs’, for example in finding a job or obtaining professional qualifications. “You should not be a burden to the government,” the minister emphasized.
Source: Krone
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