Ukrainian refugees in Germany show little interest in returning

According to a media report, Ukrainian refugees in Germany currently show little interest in returning to their home country. This emerges from figures from the advice center for Ukrainians wishing to return (Unity Hub Berlin), which the “Rheinische Post” reports on. According to information provided by the Embassy of Ukraine, since the opening of the center in April this year, “about 60 inquiries regarding the possibility of returning to Ukraine have been recorded.” These are “mainly requests for information and advice”.

Only three inquiries came from men of military age. It was said that “citizens of retirement age” showed the greatest interest. According to the center, the “vast majority” of applicants will consider returning only after the final end of hostilities and the stabilization of the security situation in Ukraine.

Studies by an EU authority on the situation of Ukrainian refugees in Germany also show that reluctance is not a new phenomenon. According to a report by the European Asylum Agency (EUAA) from March 2026, only around 20 percent of the Ukrainians surveyed in Germany in 2025/26 were either permanent or tended to return. Among those over 65, the proportion was 40 percent, while among 18 to 44 year olds it was 17 percent. The professional situation also plays a role: among those working in Germany, only 13 percent wanted to return.

For many of those affected, the crucial prerequisite is long-term, secure life prospects in Ukraine. In addition to the military situation, the living situation, energy supply and economic opportunities also play a role.

Meanwhile, Germany remains one of the most important receiving countries for people from Ukraine. At the end of August 2026, around 4.43 million people from Ukraine were under temporary protection across the EU. Of these, 1,294,555 lived in Germany. This emerges from current figures from the European statistics office Eurostat.

The European Union has now extended temporary protection for Ukrainian war refugees until March 4, 2028. At the same time, the EU states agreed on a coordinated perspective for the period after protection status. This includes options for changing to longer-term residence permits and preparing for a safe and sustainable return to Ukraine.

The Unity Hub Berlin advice center was set up as a contact point for the more than one million people who fled to Germany as a result of the Russian war of aggression. There they can, among other things, get identification documents drawn up or get advice on educational and career issues.