Over one in five Ukrainians are considering leaving their country after the war with Russia ends, with Poland remaining the top choice, according to a recent survey by Polish recruitment agency Personnel Service. The survey found that 43% of Ukrainians who were in Poland before the war plan to return for work, while 10% aim to settle there permanently—up by 5.5% from last year.
Besides Poland, 30% of Ukrainians prefer Germany, followed by Canada and the US at 21%, and Belgium and the Netherlands at 13%. The UK and Scandinavian countries were less popular choices. The reasons behind these plans include difficult living conditions and instability at home, with 21% of respondents considering emigration.
Younger Ukrainians are the most eager to leave, with 33% of those aged 18-29 wanting to emigrate. Those from Eastern Ukraine, hardest hit by the war, are more likely to leave, with one in four considering emigration. For most, career limitations, security concerns, and inadequate social support are key factors.
Over a million Ukrainians have already arrived in Poland since the Russian invasion in February 2022, and while they initially received generous support, Polish public sentiment has shifted over time. Tensions have risen over issues like Ukrainian men avoiding the draft and fears over food imports, leading some Polish politicians, including presidential candidates, to question continued aid and benefits for Ukrainians.
