More than 6 million people have left Ukraine — the country faces an economic and demographic crisis — WSJ

Almost 15% of the population has left Ukraine.

This information reported according to The Wall Street Journal.

President Volodymyr Zelensky aims to encourage their return through various incentives. However, many are unlikely to want to come back, having settled primarily in Germany, where they receive benefits or have already found employment. Experts note that around 50% of migrants may not return to their homeland, posing serious problems for the Ukrainian economy and demographics.

Ukraine will face demographic and economic challenges, with the population potentially decreasing by 25% in the future. Already, 6.2 million people have left the country. Zelensky hopes that many will consider returning, and various incentives such as “cash payments, subsidized mortgages, and business startup loans” may serve as motivation.

The president also hopes that “European countries will encourage Ukrainians to return.” However, statistics indicate that those who have left the country are better-educated than the overall population.

Germany is the preferred destination for many Ukrainians, with approximately 1 million of them residing there.

“We expect that at least 50 percent of Ukrainians will stay in Germany even after the war,” said Wolfgang Hummel, head of the legal department of the Berlin Refugee Affairs Office.

The number of Ukrainians in Germany is continually increasing.

Alena Kazak, who moved to Germany, is already doubtful about returning to her homeland.

“My daughter is growing up quickly. In five years, she will be more German than Ukrainian. For a patriot, it is very painful. But by that time, it may be wiser to stay,” she said.

By the beginning of 2023, according to a German government survey, 29% expressed the desire to stay in Germany permanently, and an additional 15% at least for the next few years. Ukrainians are putting down roots, enrolling their children in German language schools, and many may never return to their homeland.