Ukraine wants EU countries to stop helping Ukrainian refugees – El Pais

Ukraine is seeking for European Union countries to stop providing assistance to Ukrainian refugees and to deny consular services to men of conscription age in an effort to encourage citizens to return home.

This was reported by El Pais.

At the same time, Kyiv aims to maintain connections with those who, under a new law, will be allowed to hold dual citizenship.

Ukrainians abroad interviewed by the publication expressed a desire to return but indicated they are not ready to do so yet. They seek safety and assurances that the war will not reignite, as well as stability in education and healthcare, and unrestricted access to electricity.

A November study by the UNHCR found that 61% of Ukrainian refugees still hope to return when the situation improves.

Ukrainian journalist Olena Babakova, currently residing in Warsaw, suggested the government could attract citizens back by offering tax breaks, mortgage assistance, educational scholarships, and similar incentives. However, she believes these measures will likely have minimal impact and that it would be “more productive to focus on attracting economic migrants from third countries.”

In its demographic strategy adopted in September, the Ukrainian government acknowledged that between 1.3 million and 3.3 million people may not return. This number could increase with each year the war continues.

According to UN data, Ukrainians continue to leave the country as refugees. As of November 18, the number had reached 6.8 million.