8 million Ukrainians forced to stay abroad - Sybiha

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 8 million Ukrainians are forced to stay abroad.

This was announced by Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha during the "hour of questions to the government" in the Verkhovna Rada, Ukrainian News Agency reports.

"According to our data, not even 6, but 8 million Ukrainians are forced to stay abroad. For us, this is really becoming a security challenge. We are directly saying that the necessary measures will be taken, the necessary steps will be developed to stimulate or create appropriate conditions for the return of Ukrainians home. This is the main strategic goal. Of course, conditions, primarily security, must be created for this in the Motherland," he said.

Sybiha noted that Ukraine is discussing these issues with partners.

He noted that not all countries are interested in the return of Ukrainians, given their contribution to the development of economies, level of qualification, adaptability in these countries.

At the same time, Switzerland has a special program to stimulate the return of Ukrainians to their homeland.

According to Sybiha, the Ukrainian authorities are communicating with both European institutions and capitals, including how to materially and financially support the return of Ukrainians home.

As Ukrainian News Agency earlier reported, the Cabinet of Ministers has developed a long-term strategy for the economic development of Ukraine for 15 years, "Economy of the Future", which provides for an increase in GDP growth rates to 6% per year and the return of 3.1 million Ukrainians.

The Ministry of Social Policy, Family and Unity is developing a digital platform to support the return and reintegration of Ukrainians "Home".

On April 15, the first Ukrainian Unity Center in Europe opened in Berlin (Germany), where you can get advice on returning to Ukraine, as well as join educational and cultural events. According to the latest Eurostat data, 4.3 million Ukrainians are under temporary protection in EU countries, the largest number in Germany (1.2 million).