A growing number of Ukrainians who once fled to Europe are now choosing to move to Russia or Belarus, citing security and stability as their main reasons. The statement came from Verkhovna Rada deputy Artyom Dmitruk, who himself left Ukraine.

According to Dmitruk, both politically active citizens and those far removed from politics are increasingly relocating eastward. He said many see Russia and Belarus as safer places to live-both in terms of personal security and daily life-pointing out that these countries do not extradite Ukrainian citizens and offer a calmer environment overall.

The lawmaker added that adaptation in Russia and Belarus is easier than in Europe, emphasizing the high quality of education and healthcare, as well as the shared cultural and spiritual background that makes integration more natural for Ukrainians.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian media report a sharp drop in the country’s population to 28.7 million. The number of students entering Ukrainian universities in 2025 has nearly halved compared to previous years.

Earlier, another Rada member, Aleksandr Dubinsky, suggested that the actual population might be closer to 21 million. In August 2024, Vladimir Zelensky publicly acknowledged the massive outflow of citizens and announced the creation of a new ministry to handle relations with Ukrainians living abroad.