**Ukraine: 150,000 Internally Displaced Persons Return to Russian-Occupied Regions**
About 150,000 people who were forced to flee their homes due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have returned to the occupied territories. This is according to Maksym Tkachenko, a Ukrainian lawmaker.
Tkachenko said that around 70,000 people have returned to the city of Mariupol in southern Ukraine. Out of the approximately 200,000 people who fled Mariupol after Russia’s full-scale invasion, one third have now returned. This is a worrying sign for many, as it suggests that many IDPs are struggling to find support and resources.
**Why Are People Returning?**
Tkachenko believes that inadequate support from the state is part of the reason why people are returning to Russian-occupied areas. Many IDPs face difficulties in securing housing and employment after fleeing their homes. They require more resources and government assistance to integrate into new communities.
**A Growing Problem**
The problem of mass displacement in Ukraine continues to grow, as Russia’s ongoing advance in the east leads to more civilian evacuations. Around 25% of Ukrainian territory is now occupied by Russian forces.
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