This report presents the findings of an online survey conducted using an interactive structured questionnaire. The survey link was distributed to potential respondents from the database of the Kherson Community Research Online Panel.
Purpose of the study:
To assess the opinions of Kherson residents on the return of those who left the city due to the war and to understand public views on addressing the city’s demographic challenges.
Key findings:
- The number of Kherson residents who were forced to leave the city after the full-scale invasion and plan to return is gradually declining. This trend is confirmed both by those who left and those who have relatives or friends among them.
- Security remains the primary condition for return. In August 2024, 51% of respondents considered “pushing the enemy to a safe distance” sufficient for return. By April 2025, this figure dropped to 38%. Meanwhile, those who believe that restoring Ukraine’s borders to their pre-invasion lines is a necessary condition increased from 18% to 32%.
- The share of those who considered a ceasefire along the current front line an acceptable condition for return has dropped sharply — from 79% in August 2024 to 30% in April 2025.
- The restoration of healthcare facilities (62%), damaged and destroyed buildings (61%), and industrial operations (57%) are viewed as the most important socio-economic conditions for return by those currently outside the city.
- Property ownership remains the strongest motivator for return. This factor remained consistently high — 89% in August 2024 and 85% in April 2025. At the same time, fear of renewed fighting continues to be the key deterrent (72% in 2024 vs. 68% in 2025).
- Among displaced persons and refugees from Kherson (mainly those under temporary protection in the EU), the share of those planning to return dropped by 10% — from 80% in August 2024 to 70% in April 2025 — but remains high.
- Kherson residents remain conservative regarding strategies for restoring the city’s and the country’s population. According to 77% of respondents, the best way to address Ukraine’s demographic needs is by encouraging the return of Ukrainians through positive incentives. This percentage has remained stable.
- The most effective steps to restore Kherson’s population, according to respondents, are:
- Creating conditions for entrepreneurship development (68%)
- Rebuilding damaged infrastructure (63%)
- Improving conditions for young families with children (51%)
The study was conducted by the Charitable Organization “Community Foundation of Kherson ‘Zakhyst'” with the support of the National Network for Local Philanthropy Development and GlobalGiving.
Reproduction or use of any part of this product in any format — including graphic, electronic, printed, or by any other means — is permitted only with proper attribution to the source.
