Despite the war, loss of homes, and life in exile, the vast majority of Ukrainians who have found temporary shelter in Poland dream of returning home. This was stated by the Ambassador of Ukraine to Poland Vasyl Bodnar in an interview with Radio Liberty.
According to him, approximately 70% of Ukrainians who were forced to leave the country due to Russia's full-scale invasion declare their willingness to return to Ukraine as soon as appropriate conditions arise.
"You will not return these people by force. This is their decision. It is a matter of creating conditions," the diplomat emphasized.
The diplomat noted that most people left not of their own free will, but due to wartime circumstances — shelling, loss of jobs, threat to the lives of their children. They do not abandon the idea of returning, but for this real changes are needed — security, housing, economic prospects.
However, Bodnar admits that 15–20% of Ukrainians will likely remain in Poland forever. These people have already adapted, settled in, obtained documents or applied for Polish citizenship.
“Most of our other people say, ‘If the war stops tomorrow, we’ll go home,’” the ambassador concluded.
These words are especially relevant against the backdrop of discussions in Ukrainian society about whether refugees will return after the war. They once again confirm that emigration for the majority is a temporary forced step, not a final choice.
