This year, over 120,000 Ukrainians have returned to conflict zones and occupied territories due to the inability to find shelter in other parts of the country. This was stated by Mykhailo Tkachenko, Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Human Rights.
According to Tkachenko, most of those returning are women, elderly people, and individuals unable to work. The primary reason for their return is the lack of free and suitable housing.
“They return home where they don’t need to rent accommodation or pay landlords who are abroad and receive compensation from international partners, while in Ukraine, they rent out their homes for 10-15 thousand hryvnias,” Tkachenko said.
Challenges Faced by Returning Ukrainians
For many, returning home is a forced decision due to the difficulty of adapting to new living conditions. Starting life from scratch, losing everything they have accumulated over the years, is extremely challenging. This is especially true for the elderly and families with young children who find it hard to leave familiar surroundings and social connections.
Tkachenko also emphasized that many Ukrainians face difficulties in finding jobs, meeting basic needs, and integrating into new environments. The lack of adequate support from the state and international organizations forces people to make tough decisions about returning to dangerous regions.
Context of Russian Aggression
The situation is a result of prolonged aggression by the Russian Federation, which has led to widespread destruction, a humanitarian crisis, and loss of housing for millions of Ukrainians. Occupied territories remain dangerous, but many people have no other choice but to return to their homes, where they face risks but feel at home.
Importance of International Support
In this context, international support becomes crucial, providing Ukrainians with the necessary resources to rebuild their lives. However, existing aid programs are often insufficient or inaccessible to all those in need. More efforts are required from both the Ukrainian government and the international community to ensure decent living conditions for all displaced persons.
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