Forced migration, voluntary return, and reshaped safety of the ukrainian population after the full scale russian invasion

Abstract

The full-scale Russian aggression has brought about a significant shift in Ukraine's migration landscape. A massive outflow through the western Ukrainian border began following the onset of the full scale war. To comprehensively understand and effectively manage the scale and key characteristics of migration under these wartime conditions, this article aims to investigate the forced migration of Ukrainians abroad and their subsequent return. It seeks to uncover the primary drivers influencing the outflow and return movement after the full-scale invasion. The research employs a range of scientific methods, including scientific abstraction, analysis and synthesis, induction and deduction, as well as systemic and structural approaches, along with document analysis and statistical observations. The number of Ukrainians who fled the country due to full-scale Russian aggression is a subject of varying estimates. There is an urgent need for clarification in this area. Relocation decisions were among the most crucial choices made by the Ukrainian population following the full-scale Russian invasion. The safety-related situation plays a pivotal role in shaping intentions to leave hazardous areas, but additional factors, such as financial and logistical considerations, also influence these decisions. The war has introduced a relativistic safety paradigm, and the end of the war does not necessarily equate to safety in the current perspective of Ukrainians. The constructed concept of safety has become apparent through regional security considerations, marking a shift from absolute safety standards toward relative ones.