Only 20.7% of Ukrainians are ready to move to another country for permanent residence in case the borders are opened, while 70% of respondents do not plan to leave the country forever, according to a poll conducted by the Ilko Kucheriv Democratic Initiatives Foundation in cooperation with the Razumkov Center. The remaining 9% of respondents have not decided on the answer.
Reasons why Ukrainians want to move abroad
Among those who are ready to leave, the main motivations are:
Lack of opportunities for development – 30.5%;
Threat to life due to hostilities – 29%;
Insufficient social support from the state – 29%;
The desire to reunite with relatives – 26%;
Intention to take out dependents – 23%;
Mismatch of job opportunities with the needs of respondents – 21%.
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Regional distribution
The highest number of those willing to go abroad was recorded among residents of the Eastern regions (26.5%). In the western regions, this figure is 23%, in the central regions – 19%, and in the south – 12%.
Gender and age characteristics
Men are more likely than women to consider emigration: 25% vs. 17%. The highest readiness to leave is among young people aged 18-29 (33%). With increasing age, the desire to leave the country decreases:
30-39 years old – 27%;
40-49 years old – 23%;
50-59 years old – 16%;
60+ years old – only 9%.
Research methodology
The survey was conducted from November 29 to December 14, 2024, face-to-face among 1,518 respondents in the regions controlled by Ukraine where no hostilities are taking place. The margin of error does not exceed 2.6%.
The sociologists emphasize that Ukrainians remain attached to their country even in the difficult conditions of war.
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