Ukrainians cannot be returned from Europe by force - MP Kniazhytskyi

He expressed this opinion on Espreso TV.

"Overall, this discourse about Ukraine not forcibly returning Ukrainians is not entirely clear. It sounds absurd. Who ever thought that Ukraine would forcibly return Ukrainians from Europe in this way? How is this even possible when there is no legal right to do so? Obviously, no one will forcibly return Ukrainians from Europe. Many Ukrainians will indeed stay in the West, while some of them will return. Western countries have already begun to limit opportunities for Ukrainians amid talks about peace negotiations. 

Ukrainians are using the single right of the EU that allows them to live and work in European Union countries without any conditions. This currently lasts until 2026, but one day it will be revoked. Western countries are also reducing support for those Ukrainians who do not work and refuse the jobs offered by employment centers. All of this means that Ukrainians will return," Kniazhytskyi explained.

The member of the Ukrainian parliament emphasized that the state must create conditions for Ukrainians to return to Ukraine. The state must take care of its citizens. 

"The only problem is that those returning will often be sick, weak, or poorly educated. It will be difficult to bring back those who are able to find work and have done so. Therefore, it is our task to show that we care about these people, implement protection programs for Ukrainian refugees, and help with housing. This is the main thing. People should not be forced to return. Conditions must be created for the return of Ukrainian refugees to Ukraine," he added.

• On December 12, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said that Ukraine is working to return refugees from Germany.
• On December 29, it was reported that according to a survey by the Office for Integration and Diversity (IMDi), 47% of Ukrainian refugees in Norway admitted that they did not want to return to Ukraine even after the war ends.