After four years of full-scale war in Ukraine, data indicates that approximately 4.40 million non-European citizens who fled Ukraine hold temporary protection status in EU countries until February 2026. This increase represents 0.5% compared to the previous month, according to the latest Eurostat data.
Germany, Poland, and Czech Republic topped the list of countries hosting the highest number of beneficiaries of temporary protection. However, 24 countries saw an increase in the number of people benefiting from this protection, with the largest increases in Germany, Czech Republic, and Spain.
Details of the Situation
Despite these numbers, Estonia, France, and Luxembourg recorded decreases in the number of beneficiaries. By the end of January 2026, Ukrainian citizens constituted over 98.4% of the beneficiaries of temporary protection in the EU, with adult women representing 43.5% of the total.
While the number of adult women and children receiving temporary protection increased by 1.4% and 0.5% respectively between January and February 2026, the remaining non-European citizens under protection are from Russia, Nigeria, and Azerbaijan.
Background & Context
It is noteworthy that EU member states are obliged to provide access to housing, social care, medical care, and education for children under 18 years of age for beneficiaries of temporary protection. Nevertheless, despite the risks, over 1.6 million people have returned to dangerous areas in Ukraine, such as Kharkiv, Donetsk, Kherson, and Sumy.
Research conducted by Save the Children indicates that the financial pressures of living in host countries and homesickness outweigh the risks associated with returning. 75% of 172 parents and caregivers surveyed reported that feelings of loneliness and homesickness played a significant role in their decision to return to dangerous areas.
Impact & Consequences
Returning to conflict zones is a difficult choice, as Sonia Khush, director of Save the Children in Ukraine, confirmed that returning to war-torn areas is not a decision made lightly. While some may find relative safety in the places they fled to, many face significant financial difficulties far from available income opportunities.
The ongoing conflict and the challenges of reintegration into society pose serious risks for returnees, who must navigate a landscape fraught with uncertainty and danger.
Regional Significance
The situation of returning Ukrainians highlights the broader humanitarian and economic challenges faced by refugees, necessitating effective international responses. The plight of these individuals serves as a reminder of the ongoing impacts of conflict and the resilience of those affected.
As the situation evolves, the need for continued support and understanding from the international community remains critical to address the complex realities faced by returning Ukrainians.