Over Half of Ukrainian Refugees in Poland Plan to Return Home, Survey Shows

More than half of Ukrainian refugees currently living in Poland intend to return to Ukraine after the war ends, according to a poll conducted by the Rating Group sociological service. The survey reveals that while refugees have built lives abroad, the majority maintain strong ties to their home country and intend to come back when conditions allow.

The two main conditions for return cited by respondents are security and stability in Ukraine. This reflects the fundamental reality that most Ukrainian displacement is directly tied to the war — refugees fled not by choice but out of necessity, and their intention to return remains high even after years away from home.

Scale of Ukrainian Displacement

Poland hosts one of the largest Ukrainian refugee populations in Europe, with millions of Ukrainians having crossed into Poland since Russia's full-scale invasion began in February 2022. The country has integrated a significant number of Ukrainian workers into its labor market and has provided extensive social support.

Ukraine's postwar reconstruction will depend significantly on the return of its displaced population. Human capital — skilled workers, professionals, and families — is as critical to recovery as physical and economic reconstruction. The high return intention revealed by the survey is a positive signal for Ukraine's postwar prospects, though the timeline depends entirely on how and when the war ends and what security guarantees are in place.

• More than 50% plan to return to Ukraine after the war
• Key conditions: security and stability
• Survey: Rating Group sociological service
• Poland hosts one of the largest Ukrainian refugee communities in Europe