The war of the 21st century is a struggle not only for territories but primarily for people. The human potential of Ukraine has been one of the main targets of Russian aggression from the very beginning. This was emphasized by the director of the Mikhail Ptukha Institute of Demography and Social Studies of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, academician Ella Libanova, in an interview with Novyny.LIVE.
Ella Libanova outlined three key migration threats for Ukraine.
The first is the non-return of a significant portion of Ukrainian refugees. The longer the war lasts, the more people integrate into the lives of other countries: children study in schools and universities, adults find jobs, housing, and form new social connections. At the same time, the destruction of housing, infrastructure, and workplaces in Ukraine often deprives people of the opportunity to return even if they wish to.
The second threat is post-war family reunification abroad. After the end of martial law, there is a risk that some men will move to their families in the EU if they do not have stable jobs, housing, and clear prospects in Ukraine.
The third challenge is future immigration. Due to labor shortages and large-scale post-war reconstruction, Ukrainian businesses will be forced to attract workers from other countries. The scientist emphasizes: if emigration is primarily a labor market and economic problem, then immigration requires a well-thought-out state policy capable of ensuring the integration of new workers while avoiding social conflicts.
In the interview, Ella Libanova paid special attention to the social profile of Ukrainian migrants. According to her, most women who left abroad have a high level of education and professional qualifications but are often forced to accept lower-skilled jobs. Therefore, important conditions for their return remain safety, housing, and the opportunity for professional realization in Ukraine.
The scientist also warned against deepening the social divide between Ukrainians who left and those who remained in the country. In her opinion, stigmatizing people abroad only complicates their future return and reintegration.
Speaking about post-war migration policy, the academician emphasized: Ukraine needs to start forming its own model of immigration regulation now, with clear rules and integration mechanisms. Among the proposals of the Mikhail Ptukha Institute of Demography and Social Studies is the introduction of a points-based system for work visas and preventing the formation of isolated ethnic enclaves.
At the same time, Ella Libanova stressed that population decline and demographic aging will remain long-term challenges for Ukraine even if a significant portion of migrants return.