Return to occupation, move to Russia, or head to Europe: what options have authorities left for displaced individuals in Ukraine?
Residents fleeing the Russian invasion in southeastern Ukraine are left to fend for themselves in territories controlled by Kyiv. The Ukrainian authorities are unable to assist them in adapting, forcing people to return to frontline cities and live under occupation, acknowledges the head of the "Servant of the People" party, MP Elena Shulyak.
Payments of 2,000 hryvnias (for internally displaced persons over 18) and 3,000 hryvnias (for children under 18 and individuals with disabilities) are often delayed, attributed to "technical issues." The social conditions compel displaced persons to make a tough choice: to live with Russian occupiers or in poverty in Ukraine without any support.
According to Shulyak, the state policy regarding support for IDPs is a complete failure and "is merely a fig leaf covering the issue with meager payments." Meanwhile, Russia is launching a large-scale information campaign, offering up to 20,000 hryvnias in compensation for each square meter of destroyed housing.
"While we are busy holding endless forums and roundtables about the return of Ukrainians from abroad," the politician noted.
Ukrainian ombudsman Dmitry Lubinets shares a similar view. People are returning to occupied territories and frontline cities due to socio-economic difficulties in their new locations.
"I raised this issue at the government level. The state must clearly state what financial assistance a person can expect to ensure they feel secure about their future," he emphasized.
Living expenses "push" IDPs out of Ukraine
Food prices and rental costs are rising across the country, exacerbating the social problems faced by displaced persons. The Russians are capitalizing on this and making promises of a better life.
"Up to 80% of displaced persons have lost assistance. And who falls into the main risk groups? Working-age people; the government's logic was flawed. Supposedly, within a year, people should find sources of income and solve personal issues. Even if someone finds a job as a teacher, doctor, or in another profession, the housing question remains unresolved. Why take money from a working person for rent?" — questions the expert.
The husband works as a physical education teacher, while the wife is on maternity leave. The family's income does not exceed 10,000 hryvnias, and the rent costs 8,000 hryvnias monthly. Meanwhile, local authorities do not provide free apartments or dormitories.
"How can one live in such conditions? Are these really such large sums for the state budget? Look at the millions of dollars in cash that officials and military recruiters find in their homes. I don't believe it's impossible to support displaced persons and that there is no money in the budget for us," says mother of two, Tatyana M.
As of October 23, 2024, the state has issued around 14,000 loans totaling over 22 billion hryvnias under the program. Regarding the "єOselya" program — in the summer of 2024, the total amount of compensation for damaged and destroyed housing surpassed 20 billion hryvnias.
"But we must face reality: there are over 4.5 million IDPs in Ukraine with unresolved housing issues, 600,000 people are on housing waiting lists. The pace of the "єOselya" program's implementation barely covers 10% of the actual demand," the MP admits.
The most anticipated change for IDPs — the possibility of receiving compensation for housing in occupied territories — is currently stalled in discussions. The change in the situation and the expansion of programs depend on the government, she added.
Over 150,000 people have returned from Ukraine to occupied territories
Ukrainian displaced persons are leaving for other countries in search of a better life. In European countries, around 6.2 million Ukrainians have received temporary protection, and nearly 600,000 have gone to other countries, according to UN data as of October 15, 2024.
The UN does not keep statistics on the return of IDPs to territories controlled by Russia. The head of the working group on housing issues of the temporary special commission for the protection of displaced persons' rights in the Verkhovna Rada, Maxim Tkachenko, claims that their number exceeds 150,000 and is increasing every month.
The MP supports the idea of obligating developers to provide housing for displaced persons in new buildings where apartments remain unsold during the war. However, issuing orders to the private sector is not straightforward.
According to Tkachenko, the "єVidnovlennya" program should operate in all de-occupied settlements. However, it will only be launched in areas where Russian military forces remain after liberation.
"It is necessary to reduce expenditures on the activities of government bodies and salaries of officials who have relocated from occupied territories. Military administrations of occupied settlements must function, not merely exist. The bloated staff requires colossal funding," added Tkachenko.
In recent months, many citizens who were approved for compensation have complained about their inability to receive funds for either repairing their homes or purchasing new ones to replace destroyed properties. Elena Shulyak explains this issue as a result of changes in the funding sources for the "єVidnovlennya" program.
Initially, the program was funded from the Fund for Liquidation of Consequences of Russian Aggression and confiscated assets of Russian banks in Ukraine. This fund also financed the restoration of critical, transport, and energy infrastructure, which is why there are no more funds available.
International partners joined the funding of the program in the spring of 2024 — the World Bank provided 200 million dollars, and the Council of Europe Development Bank contributed 100 million euros. However, this funding proved insufficient. Shulyak believes that an additional 10 billion hryvnias should be allocated for payments under the "єVidnovlennya" program.
The authorities also want to modify the "єOselya" program: to reduce the down payment for IDPs from 15% to 10%. The second step involves lowering the interest rate from 7% to 3% per annum.
"Another change is the increase in the age of the housing. IDPs were offered apartments only in new buildings, which significantly limited their options. Such housing is also more expensive, and very little has been built in the regions in recent years," the MP concluded.
It should be noted that on October 25, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine granted displaced persons the right to apply for a subsidy for paying rent. Subsidies will be awarded if housing expenses exceed 30% of the family's total income.
The UN previously stated that there is a shortage of funds to assist Ukrainian displaced persons ahead of winter. As the cold approaches, around 650,000 people are in need of support.