Europe cannot force Ukrainians to return home, says political scientist Bobyrenko

He shared this view on Espreso TV.

“No one is dragging anyone back to Ukraine from Europe by force. They can stop scaring Ukrainians with these claims. Europeans won’t do that, and they won’t abandon people either. The only thing the authorities might try is to influence European governments to stop paying benefits to Ukrainian refugees. For instance, child allowances for Ukrainians might continue, but men aged 18 to 60 might lose their benefits, which could pressure them to return. But let’s be real — men can easily find jobs and support themselves and their families. I don’t see this approach by our (Ukrainian - ed.) Foreign Ministry working,” Bobyrenko stated.

The political scientist also mentioned that while the state might try to encourage Ukrainians to come back, few will take up the offer.

“Sure, they might try to convince Ukrainian men to return, but I’m convinced not many will. So, there’s really no point in debating the effectiveness of these moves by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” he added.

• On September 14, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said Ukraine is working with European partners to create favorable conditions for Ukrainians abroad to return home.