What are the political moods of Ukrainians abroad (including in Israel) if there are elections: the sociologist assessed

The political choice of Ukrainians abroad may differ from the political choice of Ukrainians remaining in their homeland.

This opinion was expressed by the head of the Sociological Group Rating Alexey Antipovich in an interview N.V.. According to preliminary data, about 60% of Ukrainian refugees abroad are people from the south and east of Ukraine.

After the start of a full-scale war in Ukraine, as told in a recent interview Ambassador of Ukraine to Israel Yevgen Korniychuk, approx. 17 thousand Ukrainian refugees remain in Israel. Besides, similar number of citizens Ukrainians have come since the beginning of the war for permanent residence (have made aliyah – ed.).

Also, according to the embassy in Israel there are about 500 thousand immigrants from Ukraine of Jewish origin, including several tens of thousands of ethnic Ukrainians.

Nobody knows how many of them are Ukrainian citizens and, accordingly, have the right to vote.

Who are these people?

According to preliminary data, 60% of Ukrainian refugees abroad represent the southern and eastern regions of Ukraine. This is important because the political history of these regions is different from other parts of the country.

Characteristics of refugees:

• Regions of origin:

  Kherson region, Mariupol, other southern and eastern territories.

• Language environment:

  The predominance of Russian-speaking citizens, who often voted for pro-Russian forces before the war.

• War experience:

  These people did not go through the stage of national consolidation that the Ukrainians who remained in the country experienced.

Expert quote:

“These people, unlike those who remained in Ukraine, are less Ukrainized in terms of ideology”says sociologist Alexey Antipovich.

Political sentiments abroad

The sociological group “Rating” emphasizes that no official research has yet been conducted on the political preferences of Ukrainians abroad. However, there are suggestions that their choice may differ significantly.

Main trends:

1. Declining interest in Ukrainian politics.

   Ukrainians who plan to stay abroad are becoming less and less interested in domestic political processes.

2. Low turnout in future elections.

   Those who remain abroad even after the war will probably not actively participate in the elections.

The expert adds:

“People who consciously choose to live abroad may be less interested in events that do not have a direct impact on their lives.”

Diaspora Politics: Challenges and Opportunities

The Ukrainian diaspora has traditionally played an important role in supporting Ukraine. But the new wave of migration caused by the war is different from the previous ones:

Features of the new wave of migration:

• Forced emigration.

  People left because of the war, losing their homes and property.

• Less integration.

  Unlike previous waves of migration, these refugees participate less in the political and cultural life of their new countries.

For Israel, this creates both new challenges and opportunities. Website NAnews — Israel News emphasizes the importance of dialogue between the Jewish and Ukrainian communities.

Comparison of political activity of Ukrainians

Why is this important for Israel?

Israel has long been an important destination for Ukrainian migration. However, Ukrainian refugees here face the peculiarities of the Israeli bureaucracy and restrictions:

Basic rights of Ukrainians in Israel:

• Extension of tourist visas every three months.
• Lack of full social integration.
• Limited access to employment.

At the same time, the Ukrainian diaspora in Israel remains active and interested in the fate of their country. Website NAnews – Israel News continues to cover topics important to both Ukrainians and the Jewish people.

What awaits Ukrainians abroad?

1. Political isolation.

   Without the right to vote in elections and without active involvement in Ukrainian politics, Ukrainians abroad may gradually lose touch with their homeland.

2. New challenges.

   The increase in the diaspora requires Ukraine to develop new approaches to preserve the unity of the nation.

3. International support.

   Israel and other countries must take into account the difficult situation of Ukrainian refugees, helping them to integrate without losing their national identity.

Conclusion: the role of the diaspora in the future of Ukraine

Future elections in Ukraine will show how active the connection remains between Ukrainians abroad and their homeland.

As the sociologist noted:

“Ukrainians who find themselves abroad must remember that their participation is important for preserving the democratic values ​​of Ukraine.”

Read more analytics and news about relations between Ukraine and Israel on the website NAnews – Israel News.

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