Oleg Vynnyk explains why he will not return to Ukraine until the end of the war

Fear of losing the ability to leave

Ukrainian performer Oleg Vynnyk, who has been in Germany since the start of the full-scale invasion, detailed his position regarding a possible return to his homeland. He shared this in an interview with blogger Natalia Velesyevych.

The artist noted that his main fear is related to the possibility that after arriving in Ukraine, he may not have the right to leave again. He explained that his permanent place of residence and registration are in Germany, specifically at the Ukrainian embassy. Vynnyk expressed concern about a situation where, having come to his homeland, he would find himself in a hopeless position and unable to return to Germany.

«І навіть якби я зараз поїхав, щоб провідати своїх батьків на цвинтарі, я цього не зроблю, тому що я проживаю тут. Я прописаний в українському посольстві, постійне місце проживання моє тут. І щоб ти зараз приїхав до себе на Батьківщину, і не міг права виїхати, це як?» (And even if I were to go now to visit my parents in the cemetery, I would not do it, because I live here. I am registered at the Ukrainian embassy, my permanent place of residence is here. And to come to your homeland now and not have the right to leave, what is that?) — the singer emphasised.

Conditions for changing his decision

Vynnyk stressed that his desire to live in Ukraine remains unchanged, but he will only be able to realise it under a peaceful sky. The singer emphasised that his conversation concerns not only personal comfort but also the general state of society.

«Для початку, має настати мир. І тут я говорю не про себе, я хочу бачити щасливих людей у своїй країні» (First of all, peace must come. And here I am not talking about myself, I want to see happy people in my country) — the artist added.

He also acknowledged the emotional pain of not being able to live in a peaceful state: «Я хотів би прожити в своїй мирній, щасливій країні. Але цього не маємо. Це боляче» (I would like to live in my peaceful, happy country. But we do not have that. It hurts).

Safety and status in Germany

Comparing his current life in Germany with a safe environment, Vynnyk noted a sense of security and legal stability. According to him, he can move freely around the city even at night, without worrying about the life of his family.

«Я вільна людина, можу вийти посеред ночі на вулицю, я не переживаю за свою сім'ю, ми живемо в безпеці. Ми живемо в цивілізованому законному раю» (I am a free person, I can go out into the street in the middle of the night, I do not worry about my family, we live in safety. We live in a civilised legal paradise) — the performer stated.

At the same time, he noted that life abroad is not ideal: one also has to work hard there. However, the main value for him is the ability to independently decide where to live and how to build his future.

History of staying abroad

Separately, the artist commented on his legal status. He recalled that he has been in Germany for over two decades, and has held resident status in the country since 2005. In July 2026, Vynnyk mentioned that he has been living in Germany for about 25 years, and emphasised that he considers himself a Ukrainian who is simultaneously a resident of another state.

Also, in the new interview, the singer himself voiced information that he has not had an internal Ukrainian passport since the early 2000s.

Thus, currently Vynnyk does not plan to return to Ukraine during the war. The main criterion for changing his decision will be the cessation of hostilities and the restoration of safety for Ukrainians.