Deported to Ukraine: Your Survival Guide

Ukraine has been under full-scale Russian invasion since February 2022, with ongoing attacks on civilian infrastructure, cities, and military targets across the country. No part of Ukraine is entirely safe. Lviv in the far west has experienced fewer direct attacks. The U.S. State Department has issued a Level 4 (Do Not Travel) advisory for Ukraine. Only consider return with extreme caution and with family support in place.

Ukrainian law requires men of military age (18-60) to register for and potentially serve in military defense. As a Ukrainian citizen returning to Ukraine, you may be subject to mobilization requirements. Understand this legal obligation before returning — it significantly affects your freedom of movement within and out of Ukraine.

Lviv in the Zakarpattia/Lviv Oblast area of western Ukraine has experienced fewer ground attacks, though missile strikes occur periodically. Western Ukraine's border areas near Poland are the most stable entry points. Cities like Kyiv continue to function but experience regular missile and drone attacks. Eastern cities (Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia) and southern cities (Odessa, Mykolaiv) face more direct threats.

Yes — major remittance services including Wise, Western Union, and MoneyGram have continued operations. PrivatBank and Monobank have maintained digital banking services. The National Bank of Ukraine has worked to keep the financial system functioning. Receiving in USD or EUR is often preferred for value stability during the wartime hryvnia pressures.

If you face a removal order to Ukraine but cannot safely return due to the active war, consult a U.S. immigration attorney about temporary protected status (TPS), humanitarian protection, or other relief options. UNHCR and international protection frameworks may be relevant. Organizations like CLINIC can connect you with legal resources.