Листи до редакції

UFU offers personalized support to Ukrainians planning to return from abroad

Ukrainians who left the country due to the full-scale invasion and are now considering returning home can receive personalized support from the international non-governmental organization United For Ukraine (UFU). This support is entirely free, and more than 800 people have already taken advantage of this opportunity.

UFU, known for establishing the largest support platform for Ukrainians abroad, has announced a strategic shift in focus. The organization is now prioritizing assistance to Ukrainians who plan to return home, want to contribute remotely, or participate in Ukraine’s reconstruction. This initiative is part of the Homecoming program.

The program provides guidance at several crucial stages:

  • Making informed decisions about returning,
  • Organizing the departure from the host country,
  • Adapting and reintegrating after arrival in Ukraine.

So far, over 800 individual requests have been processed. The most common topics include:

  1. Financial assistance — 18.4%
  2. Employment opportunities — 16%
  3. Pre-return planning — 17.2%
  4. Humanitarian aid in Ukraine — 13.6%
  5. Education and skills development — 11.8%
  6. Psychological support — 8.4%
  7. Temporary housing in Ukraine — 7.8%
  8. Legal aid and human rights protection — 6.3%

The project uniquely combines online resources with personalized support, making it stand out among similar initiatives. Even without a direct inquiry, individuals can find up-to-date and verified information on the organization’s website and social media to help plan their return.

According to the UNHCR, as of September 2025, around 5.7 million Ukrainian refugees were still living abroad. The Ukrainian diaspora, one of the largest in the world, included about 20 million people as of 2022. UFU emphasizes that the return and involvement of this global community are critical for Ukraine’s recovery and economic growth.

UFU co-founder Olga Khamama stated:

“Returning home is more than an emotional choice — it’s a strategic step that requires answers to many practical questions. People need information, infrastructure, and legal assistance to make conscious decisions and feel like a part of Ukraine’s rebuilding process.”

UFU representative Alona Marchuk added:

“For Ukrainians abroad, staying connected to their homeland is vital. Forced relocation often leads to isolation and identity loss. Our initiative brings hope and support to those dreaming of returning, with live assistance and a comprehensive information hub to guide them.”

Besides its return assistance program, UFU continues global collaboration with legal experts across dozens of countries. The organization also publishes informative guides — practical resources that help Ukrainians navigate legal and social systems either abroad or back home.