Internal migration during the war in Ukraine: Recent challenges and problems

Abstract

Insecurity, chaotic extensive internal movement, and external migration, growing social vulnerability, and decreasing economic stability of internally displaced persons, characterize the migration crisis caused by the large-scale Russian war against Ukraine. The aim of this paper is to reveal the needs (tangible and intangible), challenges, and opportunities for the social integration of internally displaced persons in the host communities (on the example of the Pidberiztsivska territorial community of Lviv oblast). The paper presents the sociological survey through in-depth interviews based on questionnaires. The sample is based on five strata (four starostyn areas and the administrative center) and amounts to 4% of the statistical population (50 displaced persons). The paper specifies that the host society’s lack of affordable housing (68.6% of respondents) and limited employment opportunities (39.9% of respondents) are the main challenges for internally displaced persons. The survey reveals a low level of integration of internally displaced persons and a lack of desire to assimilate into the host society caused by positive aspirations to emigrate abroad (13.5% of respondents) and intentions to return to their previous (permanent) place of residence (54% of respondents). Mapping the problems and needs of internally displaced persons can constitute the information-analytical basis for ensuring the communities’ economic progress in times of war in terms of accumulation and efficient use of the capacity of internally displaced persons. AcknowledgmentThe study is conducted within the framework of the grant “Instruments for the support of integration of IDPs into life in the Pidberiztsivska territorial community: A pilot project in Lviv oblast” funded by the International Renaissance Foundation (Grant registration number 54766, 2022–2023).