Since February 2022, the war has triggered the largest forced displacement in Europe since the Second World War. Around 6 million Ukrainians currently live in European countries, with the highest numbers in Germany (1.2\u20131.3 million) and Poland (around 1 million).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But the largest displacement remains internal. As of early 2026, more than 3.7 million people are internally displaced within Ukraine. Many have been forced to flee multiple times due to shifting frontlines, widespread destruction, and relentless attacks on energy infrastructure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A critical finding: despite massive strikes on Ukraine’s energy grid and an unbearably harsh winter, no new large-scale westward migration waves are occurring. However, according to UN projections, more than half a million people may still be newly displaced or evacuated inside Ukraine in 2026 alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From crisis response to long-term reality<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n In host countries like Germany and Poland, the focus has shifted from emergency aid to integration. Key challenges include access to affordable housing, labor market integration (often marked by qualification loss and precarious employment), social services, and psychosocial support. Meanwhile, a growing number of Ukrainians are planning to stay long-term, as return prospects depend directly on the war’s end and Ukraine’s economic recovery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the Republic of Moldova \u2013 Europe’s poorest country hosting the highest number of refugees per capita (around 4% of its population) \u2013 the situation remains particularly fragile. National systems are underfunded and overstretched, with around 60% of refugees still primarily dependent on humanitarian aid. International support remains essential, especially as many humanitarian organizations have withdrawn since 2025 and Russian pressure on Moldova continues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Why support inside Ukraine matters for Europe<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Summing up his presentation, Igor Mitchnik emphasized: “While millions of Ukrainians are living in EU countries, the largest humanitarian and social crisis remains inside Ukraine. Supporting people living through the war at home \u2013 energy supply, heating, basic services \u2013 isn’t aid at a distance. It’s part of a shared European reality. If we feel the cold in Berlin, people in Ukraine are living through a nightmare. And that reality isn’t separate from Europe. It’s part of it.”<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
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