Oleksiy Chernyshov, Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine and Minister of National Unity, stressed that no one will forcefully return citizens from abroad or impose artificial restrictions on them. Instead, a National Unity Agency will be created for them, which will open departments in key countries where Ukrainians reside, primarily in Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic.
He told LB.ua about this.
"Ukraine does not aim to forcefully return its citizens or impose artificial restrictions abroad. Our main goal is to create conditions for the voluntary return of Ukrainians to their homeland. At the same time, our compatriots who are currently living abroad will be able to keep in touch with Ukraine, in particular through Unity Hubs, which will be established soon in Germany, Poland, the Czech Republic and other countries," Chernyshov said.
It is planned that the Unity Hub will provide assistance with documents, employment advice in the host country and in Ukraine, as well as cultural and educational initiatives and help keep in touch with the homeland.
Currently, the selection of suitable premises in the German capital and Poland is underway.
Chernyshov noted that the Unity hub should become a cultural and educational space for Ukrainians abroad, as well as a job centre where they can find vacancies both in Ukraine and in the host country.
"We want Ukrainians to be able to get consular support, use banking or postal services, buy Ukrainian products or even eat in a Ukrainian cafe in the host country in these 'unity hubs'. At the hubs, our people will be able to teach their children Ukrainian, take language courses themselves, or simply hold meetings of local Ukrainian communities, etc. We plan to offer maximum functionality in one place for convenience," the minister said.
"We do not seek to change the identity of Ukrainians who find themselves abroad. Our task is to help them integrate into the societies where they live, but not to assimilate, but to keep in touch with Ukraine. And, ultimately, to help them return home when they have such a desire," Chernyshov added.
Earlier, Politico reported that Ukraine is trying to return its refugees from Germany. This should be facilitated by "unity centres".
- At the end of last year, Chernyshov said that up to 50% of men of military age were ready to return to Ukraine without waiting for the end of the war if the issue of reservations was resolved.