Ilona Gavronska: Over 4.3 million Ukrainians are under temporary protection in EU countries

4 million 380 thousand Ukrainians who were forced to leave the country due to the war are under temporary protection in European Union countries. This was reported by Ilona Gavronska, Deputy Minister of Social Policy, Family and Unity of Ukraine for European Integration, citing the latest data from the EU statistical service Eurostat.

In particular, the largest number of Ukrainians under temporary protection are currently in Germany – 1,260,230 people, Poland – 965,990, and the Czech Republic – 397,185. The highest rates of persons under temporary protection per thousand inhabitants were recorded in the Czech Republic (36.4), Poland (26.5), and Slovakia (25.8), while the corresponding rate at the EU level is 9.7 per thousand inhabitants.

According to Eurostat, during 2025, EU countries adopted 683,395 new decisions to grant temporary protection to Ukrainian citizens, which is 14% less than in 2024. At the same time, as of the end of January 2026, the number of Ukrainians with this status in the EU increased by 23,110 compared to the end of December 2025.

According to the Deputy Minister, the security situation remains a key factor influencing Ukrainians' decisions to return. At the same time, the state is already preparing for possible changes in the context of the potential end of temporary protection in March 2027.

"We are in constant touch with European institutions and, together with international partners, are developing a strategic framework for responding to possible changes. At the same time, it is crucial for Ukraine that our citizens in EU countries are treated with dignity. Our common task is to create conditions under which Ukrainians can realize their potential while retaining the ability to make informed decisions about returning and reintegrating into Ukraine," said Ilona Gavronska.

She reported that in this context, work is ongoing to create tools to maintain contact with citizens abroad and prepare for their possible return. In particular, this involves the development of the Unity Network, the opening of Unity Centers and spaces, and the launch of a digital platform that will provide Ukrainians abroad with access to verified information.