On April 25, 2025, Yevgeniya Blyznyuk, director of the Ukrainian research company Gradus Research, reported that 13% of Ukrainians remaining in the country plan to move abroad in the next six months. The main reasons for migration intentions are security threats caused by the ongoing conflict with Russia and economic difficulties, including a lack of jobs. This is stated in a study published on the UNN website. Germany and Poland remain the most popular destinations for potential migrants due to security, employment opportunities and support from diasporas.

According to Bliznyuk, the migration sentiments of Ukrainians remain stable compared to previous periods.

“Over the past six months, the share of those who want to leave has not changed, which indicates the absence of sharp shifts in motivation”, she noted.

However, a worsening situation in the country, including an escalation of hostilities, economic instability or an uncertain future, could push even those who currently have no plans to leave Ukraine to leave. A Gradus Research study conducted in April 2025 showed that the key factors for emigration are threats to life and health (about 50% of respondents), as well as the risk of losing regions.

Germany and Poland attract Ukrainians for a number of reasons. Germany offers high social benefits, quality healthcare, and mandatory German language courses that promote integration. More than 1,13 million Ukrainian refugees are registered in Germany, but only 20% of them work due to generous financial assistance. Poland, in turn, is popular due to cultural and linguistic proximity, as well as a large Ukrainian community. According to UNHCR, there are about 956 thousand refugees in Poland, and about 71% of them are employed, which is significantly higher than in Germany.

The migration of Ukrainians has a significant impact on European labor markets. As Euronews reports, Poland, which has accepted about 1,5 million refugees since the beginning of the conflict, has seen them flow to Germany, where wages and social benefits are higher. A study by EWL and the University of Warsaw showed that since August 2022, the number of Ukrainians in Poland has decreased by 350 thousand, while in Germany their number has increased by 410 thousand. The main reasons for moving are recommendations from friends, higher incomes and better living conditions.