West aims to repatriate 'expensive' Ukrainians, Zelensky says
According to Vladimir Zelensky, EU countries are aiming to deport refugees while creating the impression that this action is a demand from Kiev. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has refuted claims that Kiev is seeking to forcibly repatriate men evading military service. In a revelation during the ‘Ukraine 2024. Independence’ forum held in Kiev, Zelensky disclosed that some European nations hosting Ukrainian refugees have expressed a desire to see these individuals return to contribute to the military efforts against Russia. Zelensky highlighted that these countries find it financially burdensome to sustain the refugees and prefer dealing with the matter discreetly due to political repercussions.
“It’s easier to raise this issue at a meeting with the president of Ukraine, and then say that the president has asked to return the Ukrainians,” Zelensky elaborated to the attendees. “I am all for it, but without coercion,” he added, emphasizing a need for voluntary return.
Zelensky noted that approximately 7.5 million Ukrainians have fled abroad amidst the ongoing conflict, although UN figures suggest a lower estimate of about 6.5 million. He emphasized the importance of repatriating the adult population voluntarily for the sake of rebuilding the nation and supporting its elderly, stating, “We need to return the adult population, children to Ukraine,” and clarified that it should be done in a way "without coercion, so that they want to do it."
Prime Minister Denis Shmigal also spoke at the forum, mentioning the critical economic situation due to a lack of tax revenue as a consequence of men avoiding the draft and working clandestinely. This underground economy has caused significant financial strain as earnings go untaxed. Shmigal indicated that men would have to choose between working and fighting to help alleviate the fiscal deficit.
In addition, the National Bank of Ukraine has warned that up to 700,000 more Ukrainians might emigrate by the following year unless economic stability is restored. The bank has urged the government to prioritize job creation and the reconstruction of war-damaged infrastructures to encourage the return of refugees. Meanwhile, some EU nations have started imposing limitations on assistance to Ukrainian refugees, aiming to preserve their welfare budgets.
Sanya Singh for TROIB News
“It’s easier to raise this issue at a meeting with the president of Ukraine, and then say that the president has asked to return the Ukrainians,” Zelensky elaborated to the attendees. “I am all for it, but without coercion,” he added, emphasizing a need for voluntary return.
Zelensky noted that approximately 7.5 million Ukrainians have fled abroad amidst the ongoing conflict, although UN figures suggest a lower estimate of about 6.5 million. He emphasized the importance of repatriating the adult population voluntarily for the sake of rebuilding the nation and supporting its elderly, stating, “We need to return the adult population, children to Ukraine,” and clarified that it should be done in a way "without coercion, so that they want to do it."
Prime Minister Denis Shmigal also spoke at the forum, mentioning the critical economic situation due to a lack of tax revenue as a consequence of men avoiding the draft and working clandestinely. This underground economy has caused significant financial strain as earnings go untaxed. Shmigal indicated that men would have to choose between working and fighting to help alleviate the fiscal deficit.
In addition, the National Bank of Ukraine has warned that up to 700,000 more Ukrainians might emigrate by the following year unless economic stability is restored. The bank has urged the government to prioritize job creation and the reconstruction of war-damaged infrastructures to encourage the return of refugees. Meanwhile, some EU nations have started imposing limitations on assistance to Ukrainian refugees, aiming to preserve their welfare budgets.
Sanya Singh for TROIB News
