Security Has Become One of the Major Drivers of Migration, Denys Uliutin Says at the IMRF

During a working visit to the United States, Minister of Social Policy, Family and Unity of Ukraine Denys Uliutin delivered a speech at the plenary session of the Second International Migration Review Forum (IMRF), dedicated to current challenges in migration and international mobility.

Addressing the participants, the Minister stressed that migration today is increasingly shaped not only by economic opportunities, but also by security factors.

“War, attacks on civilian infrastructure and repeated shocks increasingly shape where people live, work and raise their children. Ukraine knows this reality firsthand. Because of the russian armed aggression, millions of Ukrainians have experienced different forms of mobility — internal displacement, temporary protection abroad, return to Ukraine, and sometimes repeated movement depending on the security situation,” Denys Uliutin said.

According to the Minister, Ukraine’s response has been to build migration governance around connection, protection and recovery.

In particular, the state is strengthening support for internally displaced persons through targeted assistance, housing support, employment pathways and integration into host communities. Ukraine is also expanding community-based social services, including Resilience Centres that provide psychosocial support, social services and practical assistance close to where people live.

The Minister also focused on maintaining the connection between Ukrainians abroad and Ukraine. According to him, through Unity Hubs, the state is creating accessible points of contact for reliable information, services and engagement. At the same time, the Diaspora Alliance for Recovery of Ukraine is aimed at strengthening community ties, promoting skills exchange and supporting investment links.

Denys Uliutin also stressed that Ukraine is developing digital solutions that will allow citizens to access services remotely, understand return options, and navigate reintegration opportunities in employment, housing and education.

In addition, the Minister underlined that stronger coordination of social protection systems between countries is becoming increasingly important in today’s conditions, particularly regarding pensions, social benefits and contribution records, as well as investment in social infrastructure.

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