More people are returning to Ukraine than leaving — State Migration Service
For the first time since the start of the full-scale war, Ukraine has recorded a positive net migration balance. The State Migration Service reported that the number of Ukrainians returning home exceeded the number of those leaving the country by 17,000 people. The agency also cited three key reasons for this trend.
For the first time since the start of the full-scale war, Ukraine has recorded a positive balance of border crossings among citizens who had previously left the country due to hostilities. This was reported by the head of the State Migration Service of Ukraine, Natalia Naumenko, in a comment to Golovkom.
According to data for January–April 2026, the number of citizens who returned to Ukraine exceeded the number of those who left by 17,000 people.
“In January–April 2026, the trend shifted: departures totaled 4.169 million, while arrivals totaled 4.186 million. Even if the difference is not significant—just 17,000—this marks the first period of positive dynamics in border crossings since the start of the full-scale invasion,” Naumenko noted.
It is noted that this is the first period since the start of the full-scale invasion when positive dynamics in border crossings have been observed.
The State Migration Service cited several reasons influencing Ukrainians’ decisions to return home. Among them are the stabilization of the situation within the country, particularly improvements in the energy sector, as well as financial difficulties faced by some citizens who have lived abroad for a long time.
In addition, the trend is influenced by changes in EU countries: a gradual reduction in social support, the termination of free housing programs, and the launch of initiatives aimed at encouraging Ukrainians to return.
At the same time, Natalia Naumenko emphasized that a large-scale return of citizens should not be expected during the active phase of the war. According to her, significant changes in the migration situation are possible only after the end of hostilities.
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