World Refugee Day: how many Ukrainians remain abroad
Kyiv • UNN
June 20 marks World Refugee Day. As of the beginning of May 2026, nearly 4.37 million Ukrainians have received temporary protection in EU countries.
Every year on June 20, World Refugee Day falls, established by the United Nations. This day is intended to draw the attention of the international community to the fate of people forced to leave their homes due to armed conflicts and persecution. This date also holds special significance for Ukraine: as of the beginning of May, almost 4.37 million Ukrainians had received temporary protection in EU countries, reports UNN.
When is World Refugee Day celebrated
World Refugee Day is an international day designated by the United Nations to honor refugees around the world. It is observed annually on June 20 and recognizes the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their home country to avoid conflict or persecution. World Refugee Day is an opportunity to build public empathy and understanding of their plight and to recognize their resilience in rebuilding their lives.
This day highlights the rights, needs, and dreams of refugees, helping to mobilize political will and resources so that refugees can not only survive but also thrive. While it is important to protect and improve the lives of refugees every day, international days like World Refugee Day help focus global leaders' attention on the plight of those fleeing conflict or persecution. Many events held on this day create opportunities to support refugees.
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Ukrainians abroad - how many people remain in the EU
According to Eurostat, as of the beginning of May 2026, the number of Ukrainian citizens residing in European Union countries with temporary protection status slightly increased in April 2026. In total, about 4.37 million Ukrainians who had received shelter due to Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine were living in the EU at that time.
Compared to March, the number of Ukrainians in the EU with temporary protection status increased by 42,990 (1%).
The EU countries that hosted the largest number of persons from Ukraine under temporary protection were:
- Germany (1,279,660 persons; 29.3% of the total in the EU);
- Poland (971,255; 22.2%);
- Czechia (384,435; 8.8%).
The number of persons under temporary protection increased in 24 EU countries and decreased in 3. The largest absolute increase was observed in Poland (+9,850; +1.0%), Italy (+7,020; +20.8%), and Germany (+4,705; +0.4%). The largest decrease was recorded in France (-440; -0.9%) and Ireland (-125; -0.1%).
The highest rates of persons benefiting from temporary protection per thousand population were recorded in Czechia (35.2), Poland (26.6), and Slovakia (26.5), while at the EU level this indicator was 9.7.
As of April 30, 2026, Ukrainian citizens constituted over 98.5% of persons benefiting from temporary protection in the EU. Adult women accounted for 43.4% of the total, adult men for 26.7%, and minors for almost a third (29.9%) of all persons benefiting from temporary protection.
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How many Ukrainians have left the country
According to Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiha, there are currently 8 million Ukrainians abroad.
"According to our data, not six, but eight million Ukrainians are forcibly abroad. For us, this is truly becoming a security challenge. We directly state that necessary measures will be taken, necessary steps will be developed to stimulate or create proper conditions for the return of Ukrainians home. This is the main strategic goal. Of course, for this, security conditions in the Homeland must first be created," Sybiha said during a meeting of the Verkhovna Rada.
The minister emphasized that the issue of the return of Ukrainian citizens is already being discussed with international partners, but some states are not interested in the departure of Ukrainians due to their contribution to the local economy and labor market.
"We are discussing these issues with our partners. We also see that not all countries are interested in the return of Ukrainians, given the contribution of our citizens to the development of economies, their qualifications, and adaptation in these countries. So, in fact, we will need to 'fight' for our people to return," Sybiha noted.
Rights of refugees abroad - what you should know
Refugee status in Europe is an individual right granted to a foreigner who has well-founded fears of persecution or other threats due to faith, religion, nationality, political or other beliefs. Refugee status guarantees international protection, social support in the form of housing, cash payments, medical services, and state assistance for long-term integration into society.
Since February 24, 2022, Ukrainians can also apply for temporary protection in any European country by contacting the migration authority of the chosen state. This status allows avoiding bureaucratic procedures and provides immediate access to housing, social and medical assistance, and the labor market for a significant number of people, but is granted temporarily without the possibility of extension after the end of the war in Ukraine. Unlike temporary protection, refugee status has no time limits, but imposes certain restrictions on the person, for example, prohibiting employment during the lengthy processing of the application.
You can get rid of any restrictions on staying in the EU by obtaining citizenship in one of the European Union countries through a simplified procedure.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine's territory was the reason for activating the EU Directive on Temporary Protection, which guarantees the reception of Ukrainians in all EU member states, Norway, Liechtenstein, Iceland, Switzerland, and the granting of special status to them.