Ukrainians in the EU are increasingly being pressured to return: the Council of Europe has warned of a dangerous trend

A trend towards reduced support for Ukrainian refugees is becoming increasingly apparent across Europe. This was stated by the Council of Europe’s Commissioner for Human Rights, Michael O’Flaherty, who noted that he has been informed of these changes by Ukrainians living abroad themselves, according to Channel 24.

According to him, political sentiment is shifting in some countries, and the authorities are increasingly attempting to encourage Ukrainians to return home not through direct appeals, but via financial and social mechanisms.

One of the main tools being used is the gradual reduction of state support. In many countries, Ukrainian refugees are already facing cuts to the social benefits introduced after the start of the full-scale war.

Furthermore, opportunities to access free or subsidised housing are gradually dwindling. According to O’Flaerty, this hits people without sufficient income the hardest.

“It’s fine if someone can afford to rent accommodation. But for pensioners and people without means, this is a major problem,” the Commissioner noted.

He cited the rise in hate speech directed at Ukrainians as another problem. Although such incidents are not widespread, they have become more frequent recently. According to him, certain far-right political forces are increasingly using anti-migrant rhetoric, blaming newcomers for their countries’ domestic problems.

The Commissioner suggested that the shift in public sentiment may be due to the prolonged strain on the budgets and social infrastructure of countries that have provided large-scale assistance to Ukrainians since the start of the full-scale invasion.

At the same time, he emphasised that millions of Ukrainian citizens continue to require international protection. He stated that the ongoing Russian attacks on the civilian population and critical infrastructure mean there is no basis for suggesting that a safe, mass return of people to Ukraine is possible.

O’Flaherty also called on European countries to continue to uphold humanitarian principles and ensure an adequate level of protection for Ukrainians forced to flee their homes due to the war.

Socportal previously reported on a new study concerning Ukrainian migrants, which reveals exactly who has left, how Ukrainians are integrating in Europe, and what might influence people’s decision to return home. It also looked at what the state can do to facilitate this and whether those who have become part of the Ukrainian diaspora abroad are helping the country.

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