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Kyiv and the EU discussed the eventual end of temporary protection for Ukrainians.
The Ukrainian government plans to obtain data on Ukrainian citizens currently under temporary protection in European Union countries. The information is needed to create proper conditions for their return home, particularly for vulnerable groups. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Social Policy, Family and Unity.
According to the ministry, the issue was discussed during a meeting between Minister Denys Uliutin and European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner.
The ministry explained that information about Ukrainian citizens — especially those belonging to vulnerable categories — is necessary for planning return policies and preparing local communities to receive people coming back to Ukraine.
The parties also discussed the possible expiration of the temporary protection regime after March 2027.
Another topic was the role of Unity Centres as a tool for maintaining ties with Ukrainians abroad. The minister noted that the first Unity Hub, opened in Berlin, has already shown significant demand among Ukrainian citizens, providing nearly 500 consultations during its first two weeks of operation.
Creating favorable conditions for Ukrainians to return home remains a key issue, as people will decide whether to come back by comparing living conditions abroad with the opportunities available in Ukraine. Without economic prospects, there is unlikely to be a large-scale return of Ukrainians.
Earlier, Uliutin suggested that around two million Ukrainians could return home after active hostilities end.
According to estimates by the United Nations, between three and three-and-a-half million Ukrainians who left because of Russia’s full-scale invasion may return to Ukraine after the war ends.
