Millions condemned to wandering. The number of Ukrainian refugees already reaches 6 million

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) announced on Monday that four years since the beginning of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, he estimates the number of Ukrainian refugees at approximately 5.9 million. According to the UNHCR representative in Poland, Poland's attitude from 2022 “has set a global standard for assistance to refugees.”

“The extraordinary solidarity and commitment of the Polish government and society since 2022 have set a global standard for assistance to refugees,” wrote Kevin J. Allen in a special communiqué in connection with Tuesday's fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

According to UNHCR estimates, of the total number of 5.9 million Ukrainian refugees, less than 1 million live in Poland. In addition, approximately 3.7 million people abandoned their homes and moved to other areas of Ukraine.

The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees emphasized that the upcoming winter is the most difficult for the inhabitants of Ukraine since the invasion began. “Continuous attacks on energy infrastructure have led to widespread disruptions in electricity, heating and water supplies in conditions of extremely low temperatures,” the statement emphasized.

According to UNHCR data, “no part of Ukraine is safe, a 10.8 million people still need humanitarian assistance“.

In the opinion of the Office of the UN Commissioner for Refugees, the large number of Ukrainian citizens who came to Poland became an impulse to stimulate the Polish economy. Data was cited according to which in 2024 Ukrainian refugees generated 2.7 percent. Polish GDP.

“Providing favorable working and education conditions and investing in human capital will also bring benefits to Ukraine in the future,” the document emphasizes.

UNHCR assured that the coordination of the Regional Action Plan for Refugees from Ukraine is an element of support for the activities undertaken by the Polish government. It was emphasized that the priority of the UN aid agenda is “investing in the competences and potential of refugees, which is crucial for social cohesion today and the future reconstruction of Ukraine when a safe return becomes possible.”

The document also emphasizes that “removing barriers that hinder refugees from achieving their full potential creates an enabling environment in which they can fully participate in economic and social life to the benefit of themselves and their host communities.”

UNHCR emphasized that 2025 was the most tragic year in terms of the number of civilian casualties in Ukraine since the beginning of the full-scale invasion. “The protracted conflict continues to force people to flee. (…) Limited financial resources, illness or disability often prevented early departure. Many refugees no longer have homes to return to. People from vulnerable groups require special attention, psychosocial support, as well as ordinary human care,” wrote the UNHCR statement.

It was emphasized that approximately 12 percent refugees staying in Poland come from the occupied territories in eastern Ukraine, and “the solidarity shown by Poland and the strength of Ukrainian refugees give hope for a better future.” (PAP)

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