A poll released September 16 found that 40% of Ukrainians are prepared to relocate if conditions in the country significantly deteriorate this winter. Safety concerns are the primary driver for potential relocation, though most would move within Ukraine rather than abroad.
The potential for widespread internal displacement and a significant portion of the population considering relocation highlights the severe impact of the ongoing conflict on Ukrainian civilians and the country's infrastructure, posing challenges for humanitarian aid and economic stability.
A new poll indicates that 40% of Ukrainians are ready to relocate this winter if the country's conditions significantly worsen, particularly due to potential Russian attacks on energy infrastructure. The survey, conducted by Gradus from September 4-7, polled 1,000 Ukrainians aged 18-60 in cities with over 50,000 residents, excluding occupied territories and active combat zones.
Safety concerns are the primary driver for potential relocation. However, only one in five respondents indicated they would consider moving abroad, with the majority planning to relocate within Ukraine. According to the poll, the decision to move would not be based on a single inconvenience but a combination of factors, including disruptions to infrastructure, safety issues, and limited access to essential services like healthcare and education.
Sociologist Evheniia Blyzniuk, CEO of Gradus, noted a shift in how Ukrainians are approaching the upcoming winter. She observed that individuals are less inclined to view resilience as the indefinite endurance of hardship. Instead, they are actively assessing risks and preparing contingency plans, rather than assuming things will resolve on their own.