UKRAINIAN CASE: REPATRIATES BETWEEN EXPECTATIONS AND THE REALITY OF RETURN

Abstract

The article focuses on the study of repatriation-related distress among war refugees, particularly in the context of returning to Ukraine. It is argued that the nature of repatriation distress differs between «voluntary migrants» and war refugees: for the former, it is primarily driven by discrepancies between expectations regarding professional advancement and business opportunities and the actual socio-economic situation in the home country, whereas for war refugees, distress stems from the gap between emotionally charged hopes of restoring «home» and the reality marked by the consequences of destruction, security threats, and the transformation of social networks. The study involved respondents who had recently returned to Ukraine, providing valuable qualitative and quantitative data for analysis. Data were collected through open-ended questions, allowing participants to express their own evaluations and experiences. The responses were systematically coded and grouped into thematic categories, enabling the identification of key manifestations of distress and patterns of its formation. The findings indicate that repatriation distress is shaped by two interrelated factors: first, the gap between expectations and the actual post-return situation, and second, the perception and assessment of differences between Ukraine and the country of temporary residence. The most intense psychological burden arises from issues of safety and daily life organization, bureaucratic and social challenges for vulnerable groups, economic difficulties, and high costs. Differences between countries are highlighted by corruption, weak state institutions, challenges in daily and infrastructure organization, and limited support in education and social guarantees. The study emphasizes that refugee return is of strategic importance for the country’s survival, as repatriates restore demographic and labor potential, as well as social and economic networks. Providing effective psychological, social, and economic support may stimulate a «chain reaction» among other potential repatriates through social modeling and the dissemination of successful integration experiences, enhancing their readiness and motivation to return.