Ukrainians displaced by war continue to make repeated journeys back to their country, but most are not returning to stay, according to a new report by the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Nearly nine in ten displaced Ukrainians surveyed while crossing back from Poland, a key connection hub, planned to stay for no more than 30 days, highlighting the gap between maintaining ties home and being able to rebuild lives there.
"For many Ukrainians, going home means seeing family, getting medical care or spending a few days in a place they have missed for years," said Arthur Erken, IOM Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia. "However, a visit is not the same as being able to stay. Many are still living between their home country and where they reside, making repeated journeys to hold on to the people and places that matter to them."
The report found that connections to Ukraine remain strong despite years of displacement. Respondents had spent on average nearly three years abroad. More than three-quarters had crossed the Ukrainian border at least three times since their initial displacement, with 16 per cent reporting ten or more crossings.
Most were heading back to familiar places mostly for family reunion. Nearly seven in ten planned to stay in their own homes, while others expected to stay with relatives. Overall, 85 per cent intended to return to their region of origin.
But maintaining these connections does not mean that displacement has ended. Only eight per cent of Ukrainians surveyed who had been living abroad intended to remain in Ukraine for more than 30 days. Another five per cent were undecided.
Security concerns continue to shape decisions. Fifty-six per cent of people who had returned from abroad, surveyed by IOM in late 2025, said they would be likely to leave their current location if long-range attacks escalated in their regions, compared with 34 per cent of the population overall. More than half of those would consider leaving the country again.
Health care remains an important concern for those making the journey. Nearly one in three displaced Ukrainians surveyed reported needing health services when crossing back, compared with one in five in the previous survey conducted in 2024. The share reporting no immediate needs also fell from 43 per cent to 30 per cent.
These findings highlight the challenges that continue to prevent many displaced Ukrainians from returning permanently, despite maintaining strong personal and family ties to home. An earlier IOM survey, published in August 2026, highlights the challenges many returnees face. Among the 1.5 million people who have returned from abroad, around 398,000 remained displaced within Ukraine due to damaged, destroyed or inaccessible homes. Those who have returned report difficulties finding stable income, adequate housing and mental health support, particularly in the first year after return.
To help create the conditions for safe and sustainable returns, IOM works with national and local authorities to expand livelihood opportunities, improve access to essential services such as health care, and rehabilitate housing and community infrastructure.
Note for Editors:
Editors may make use of IOM's recent UNifeed package examining displacement and return trends in Ukraine. Video footage is available here: IOM / Ukraine Displaced Population .
