Number of Ukrainians with temporary protection from EU up by over 23,000 in January

In January 2026, the number of Ukrainians with temporary protection from the European Union increased by over 23,000 people.

This was announced by the Ministry of Social Policy, Ukrainian News Agency reports.

"4 million 380 thousand Ukrainians who were forced to leave the country due to the war are under temporary protection in the European Union countries... According to Eurostat, during 2025, EU countries adopted 683,395 new decisions on granting temporary protection to citizens of Ukraine, which is 14% less compared to 2024. At the same time, as of the end of January 2026, the number of Ukrainians with such status in the EU increased by 23,110 people compared to the end of December 2025," the report says.

In particular, the largest number of Ukrainians under temporary protection is currently in Germany – 1,260,230 people, Poland – 965,990 and the Czech Republic – 397,185.

The highest indicators of the number of people under temporary protection per thousand inhabitants were recorded in the Czech Republic (36.4), Poland (26.5) and Slovakia (25.8), while the corresponding indicator at the EU level is 9.7 per thousand inhabitants.

The ministry notes that the state is preparing for possible changes in the context of the potential end of temporary protection in March 2027.

"We are in constant contact with European institutions and, together with international partners, are developing a strategic framework for responding to possible changes. At the same time, it is fundamentally important for Ukraine that our citizens in EU countries are treated with dignity. Our common task is to create conditions under which Ukrainians will be able to realize their potential, while maintaining the opportunity to make an informed decision regarding return and reintegration in Ukraine," Deputy Minister of Social Policy Ilona Havronska said.

She reported that in this context, work is underway to create tools to maintain contact with citizens abroad and prepare for a possible return.

In particular, this concerns the development of the Unity Network, the opening of Unity Centers and Spaces, as well as the launch of a digital platform that will provide Ukrainians abroad with access to verified information.

As Ukrainian News Agency earlier reported, the European Union countries have begun negotiations on the future status of Ukrainians after the expiration of the Temporary Protection Directive, which is currently extended until March 2027.

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