Key Figures — April 2026
Refugee Numbers Over Time (2022–2026)
The initial wave peaked at approximately 8.2 million registered refugees in mid-2022, driven by the shock of the full-scale invasion. Numbers declined through late 2022 as some Ukrainians returned after Russia's retreat from Kyiv and Kharkiv regions. A second stabilization occurred through 2023–2024, with the figure settling around 6.5–6.8 million as the conflict became a prolonged war of attrition and living conditions in war-affected areas remained too dangerous for most refugees to return.
Refugees by Country — Full Breakdown
All figures are UNHCR-registered refugees or equivalent national registration data as of early 2026. Actual numbers of Ukrainians present may be higher due to unregistered individuals.
| Country | Registered (2026 est.) | Peak (2022) | % Host Population | Share of Total | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇩🇪Germany | ~1,100,000 | ~1,200,000 | 1.3% | 16.4% | → Stable |
| 🇵🇱Poland | ~1,000,000 | ~1,500,000 | 2.6% | 14.9% | ↓ Declining |
| 🇺🇸United States | ~250,000 | ~180,000 | 0.08% | 3.7% | → Stable |
| 🇨🇦Canada | ~200,000 | ~170,000 | 0.5% | 3.0% | → Stable |
| 🇬🇧United Kingdom | ~220,000 | ~260,000 | 0.32% | 3.3% | ↓ Declining |
| 🇨🇿Czech Republic | ~350,000 | ~430,000 | 3.2% | 5.2% | ↓ Declining |
| 🇪🇸Spain | ~170,000 | ~165,000 | 0.35% | 2.5% | ↑ Growing |
| 🇮🇹Italy | ~170,000 | ~155,000 | 0.29% | 2.5% | ↑ Growing |
| 🇫🇷France | ~120,000 | ~110,000 | 0.18% | 1.8% | → Stable |
| 🇳🇱Netherlands | ~115,000 | ~100,000 | 0.65% | 1.7% | → Stable |
| 🇲🇩Moldova | ~115,000 | ~155,000 | 4.4% | 1.7% | ↓ Declining |
| 🇮🇪Ireland | ~100,000 | ~90,000 | 1.9% | 1.5% | → Stable |
| 🇦🇹Austria | ~98,000 | ~100,000 | 1.1% | 1.5% | → Stable |
| 🇨🇭Switzerland | ~85,000 | ~82,000 | 0.97% | 1.3% | → Stable |
| 🇸🇪Sweden | ~55,000 | ~67,000 | 0.52% | 0.8% | ↓ Declining |
| 🇧🇪Belgium | ~78,000 | ~72,000 | 0.66% | 1.2% | → Stable |
| 🇩🇰Denmark | ~35,000 | ~40,000 | 0.59% | 0.5% | ↓ Declining |
| 🌍Other countries | ~740,000 | ~880,000 | — | 11.0% | ↓ Declining |
Demographic Profile
Who is abroad?
The majority of Ukrainian refugees abroad are women, children, and elderly people — because Ukraine imposed a general travel ban on men aged 18–60 at the start of the full-scale invasion. This means approximately 70–75% of registered refugees are female or under 18, creating unusually skewed demographics in host countries compared to typical refugee populations.
The ~1.5–2M military-age men estimated to be abroad represent a contested issue: some left before February 2022, some have exemptions (disability, three or more children, sole providers), and some left through irregular means. Ukraine suspended consular services for this group in 2024 to create pressure for return.
Return Movement
As of early 2026, an estimated 1.85 million Ukrainians have returned home since the initial exodus. Returns are concentrated in safer western and central regions — Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk, Vinnytsia, Kyiv oblast. Returns to Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson remain limited due to continued shelling and mine contamination.
Why people return
- Family reunification — returning to elderly parents or relatives who couldn't leave
- Economic pull — better job availability in some Ukrainian cities vs. low-wage host-country jobs
- Housing security — owning property that is still intact in safer regions
- Children's education continuity in Ukrainian schools
- Patriotism and unwillingness to become a permanent emigrant
Why people do NOT return
- Physical safety — ongoing missile strikes across Ukraine including deep-rear cities
- Destroyed or occupied housing in original home region
- Children in host-country schools mid-year or mid-stage
- Employment established in host country (especially skilled professionals)
- Fear of mobilization for male relatives remaining in Ukraine
- Better healthcare access for children with disabilities or chronic conditions