UGCC head backs integration of migrants into Ukrainian society

Sviatoslav Shevchuk. Photo: UGCC

UGCC head Sviatoslav Shevchuk has spoken in favor of integrating migrants into Ukrainian society as a way to avert a demographic catastrophe. He made the remarks to representatives of the Demography and Migration program at the Frontier Institute.

Commenting on attracting migrants as a response to the demographic crisis, Shevchuk said Ukraine is building a new type of political nation – one that is not “only for ethnic Ukrainians,” but welcomes everyone ready to help build a free, united, and independent Ukrainian state.

The UGCC head also warned of the risk of assimilation facing Ukrainians who have emigrated and of the lack of incentives for them to return to Ukraine. “There must be a policy of reintegrating those people,” Shevchuk stressed.

According to him, the demographic crisis cannot be overcome by putting pressure on Ukrainians. Instead, conditions must be created in which people have confidence in the future and the courage to have children.

“For us, the question of victory is not only a question of borders, not only of territories. It is a question of life,” the UGCC head said.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that Ukraine’s social policy minister had cited the country’s population figures.

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