Homeland, Belonging, and Return: Push–pull Factors of Armenian Repatriation During the Russia-Ukraine Conflict

Melkonyan, Nvard and Melkumyan, Yuliana · 2025

Examines both push and pull factors shaping Armenian repatriation in the context of the Russian-Ukrainian war. Drawing on secondary analysis of statistics, sociological research, in-depth interviews, and focus groups, it identifies the political, social, and economic push factors driving Armenians out of Russia and Ukraine: fear of war, uncertainty, instability, deteriorating economic conditions. It then maps the pull factors drawing Armenians to the homeland: safety, cultural and social ties, a sense of belonging, a more comfortable lifestyle, and a desire to contribute to the country's development. It also documents the counter-pressures inside Armenia itself: an underdeveloped repatriation system, persistent security concerns, weak infrastructure, and low wages.

Citation checked against the publisher's record on 2026-07-13.