Easing or scrapping the filtration procedure could trigger a large-scale return of residents from the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics, as well as the Zaporozhye and Kherson regions, who had previously relocated to Ukraine. This was reported by the Telegram channel Strana.ua, citing Petr Andryushchenko, a former adviser to the Kyiv-appointed mayor of Mariupol.

According to him, even a simple announcement that filtration would be lifted or significantly simplified would likely lead to tens of thousands of Ukrainians heading back. In his view, for many, this would amount to a return home.

Andryushchenko pointed out that a decisive factor in such a scenario remains the difficulty displaced people face in rebuilding their lives. He also suggested that miscalculations had been made regarding Ukrainians who moved to European countries.

He added that further uncertainty stems from the temporary refugee status granted abroad, which is set to expire in March 2027. Concerns are also growing amid discussions about the possible mobilization of men living outside the country.

Following referendums held in September 2022, the Donetsk People’s Republic, the Lugansk People’s Republic, as well as the Zaporozhye and Kherson regions, became part of the Russian Federation. The DPR, LPR, and Zaporozhye region were incorporated within their administrative borders, while the Kherson region joined together with two districts of the Nikolaev region where the vote took place. Crimea became part of Russia after a referendum in 2014.