Nearly 10 million Ukrainians remain displaced by war four years on says UNHCR

London, February 2026 – As Ukraine marks four years since Russia’s full-scale invasion, nearly 10 million Ukrainians have been forced from their homes, according to UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency. Despite diplomatic efforts to end the war, attacks on towns and cities continue, forcing families to flee and leaving communities struggling to survive.  

In 2025, more than 2,500 civilians were killed and over 12,000 injured, making it the deadliest year for civilians since the early months of the invasion.

In addition, millions of civilians remain trapped in a cycle of displacement, loss and uncertainty, with 3.7 million people displaced inside Ukraine and 5.9 million living as refugees abroad, while 10.8 million people inside the country need humanitarian assistance to meet their most basic needs.

Ukraine is also enduring a deep winter energy crisis. Persistent attacks on energy infrastructure have left millions of Ukrainians without electricity, heating or water for long periods, amid extreme winter conditions with temperatures well below –20°C, icy winds and heavy snowfall.

Inside Ukraine, people continue to face impossible choices, whether to stay in dangerous areas or leave behind everything they know. Many of those arriving in transit centres are older people and others in vulnerable situations who need immediate support, shelter and protection.

Emma Cherniavsky, Chief Executive of UK for UNHCR, said:

“Four years into this war, Ukrainian families are still losing their homes, their loved ones and any sense of normal life.

“Parents are raising children under the sound of sirens. People are staying in damaged homes because they have nowhere else to go – braving freezing temperatures without power or heating, as Ukraine experiences one of the coldest winters in recent memory.

 “We’re deeply grateful for the ongoing support from our partners and donors in the UK. No part of Ukraine is safe, and your continued commitment to helping the people of Ukraine is needed now more than ever.”

Since the full-scale invasion began, UNHCR has provided cash assistance to 2.4 million people, helped repair nearly 55,000 damaged homes, delivered emergency shelter materials to more than half a million people, and provided hundreds of thousands of legal and psychosocial support services. As part of its winter response, more than 22,000 people have also received support to better insulate their homes and living spaces, including insulation kits, winter repairs and heaters.

However, global funding cuts are now threatening UNHCR’s ability to deliver lifesaving assistance inside Ukraine. In 2025, services fell by 25 per cent compared with 2024, even as humanitarian needs continued to rise.

As the war continues, people in Ukraine live with uncertainty, insecurity and deep humanitarian need. Countries hosting Ukrainian refugees maintain efforts to protect and include displaced people, and refugees are contributing to their host communities. But as the conflict persists, continued international support is essential so that families, both inside Ukraine and across Europe, can rebuild and recover.

For more information or to donate, please visit: unrefugees.org.uk/ukraine-emergency

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About UK for UNHCR   

UK for UNHCR is the UN Refugee Agency’s national charity partner for the UK. We build solidarity, create partnerships and raise funds across the UK to help deliver global humanitarian relief for refugees through UNHCR’s work. unrefugees.org.uk    

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, leads international action to protect people forced to flee their homes because of conflict and persecution. It delivers lifesaving assistance like shelter, food and water, helps safeguard fundamental human rights and develops solutions that ensure people have a safe place to call home where they can build a better future. UNHCR also works to ensure that stateless people are granted a nationality. www.unhcr.org   

UK for UNHCR is a registered charity in England and Wales (registered charity number 1183415).