Migration factor and strategy for the development of Donbass as a part of Russia

Migration activity of the population of Donbass proceeded throughout the period of independence of Ukraine. The opening in 1991 of the borders formed two main routes of migration flows: to Russia and European countries. Migration had a labor, educational, cultural, and business nature. «Zarobitchans» made up the main backbone of migration flows. The events of 2014-2015 and then 2022 contributed to the addition of refugees to the above categories.