Published on: 2026-10-27
Source: United Nations – Объединенные Нации –
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October 27, 2026 Peace and Security
On the eve of winter and the intensification of Russian strikes on Ukraine, which destroy civilian infrastructure and cause internal displacement, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) urges the international community to continue supporting Ukrainians: those who remain and those who have left their homes.
Attacks on Ukraine do not cease; they occur day and night. The strikes, in particular, hit critically important energy infrastructure, creating the risk of prolonged power outages. Millions of people are left without heating and electricity, with their access to water and essential items limited.
The increase in the number of long-range missile strikes and drones means that there is no safe place in the country, the agency notes. UNHCR, together with an extensive network of Ukrainian NGO partners, continues to provide emergency assistance to the population, including offering shelter, legal and financial aid, as well as psychological support.
Attacks threaten the safety of humanitarian personnel
However, UNHCR staff and partner organizations, as well as their premises and vehicles, have repeatedly come under attack. Between September 1 and October 14, there were 10 incidents affecting UNHCR staff or partners, including drone strikes and air strikes on humanitarian teams, offices, and warehouses, as well as on vehicles or in their immediate vicinity.
These incidents have endangered the safety of humanitarian workers and damaged critical infrastructure necessary for delivering assistance to the population.
“UNHCR calls on the Russian Federation to cease attacks on the civilian population and reiterates that humanitarian workers and property must be protected and should not be considered targets,” said Philippe Leclerc, Director of UNHCR’s European Bureau.
The scale of resettlement is increasing
The scale of relocation continues to grow. Since January 2026, UNHCR-supported transit centers have received over 136,000 evacuees, which is approximately 70 percent more than in 2025, when nearly 80,000 people passed through points in frontline areas.
These are only some of those who were evacuated from frontline areas, as many people do not seek help at transit points.
Many of those forced to flee are especially vulnerable: almost 40 percent of them are elderly. A significant portion of the displaced are also people with disabilities. In total, 10.8 million people in Ukraine are in need of humanitarian assistance.
At the same time, nearly 5.2 million Ukrainian refugees remain in European countries. Since the start of the full-scale war in 2022, European countries have “demonstrated exceptional solidarity by providing millions of people with immediate access to protection and assistance,” Leclerc said.
Temporary protection mechanisms and similar measures have enabled millions of refugees to quickly obtain legal status, as well as access to services. Over time, the focus shifted from emergency assistance to facilitating employment, integration into national service systems, and supporting the self-sufficiency of refugees.
Progress in the long-term integration of refugees
Progress is being made in the long-term integration of refugees into the national systems of host countries, UNHCR notes. According to a study published yesterday by UN agencies, as of 2025, 67 percent of adult Ukrainian refugees in nine countries were employed, and 84 percent of refugee children attended local schools. This proves that given the opportunity, refugees can make a meaningful contribution to the life of the host society.
Employment growth among refugees stimulates local consumption and increases tax revenues. According to a recent Deloitte study, in 2025 Ukrainian refugees accounted for 2.4 percent of Poland’s GDP, equivalent to approximately $24.4 billion.
Ukrainians still need support
At the same time, after four and a half years, the burden on host countries and local communities continues to grow.
“In some parts of Europe, the rhetoric against refugees is intensifying, as is hostility towards them, so it is extremely important to maintain solidarity and support – both concerning the refugees themselves and the communities hosting them,” Leclerc said.
Many Ukrainian refugees still face difficulties finding affordable housing or jobs that match their skills and qualifications. Elderly people, persons with disabilities, single-parent families, and other vulnerable groups especially experience hardships – they still require support.
“Now is not the time to retreat,” said the UNHCR representative. He called for continued support for Ukrainians.
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