Four years since the full-scale invasion, refugees from Ukraine in Moldova still need protection and support

Chișinău, 24 February 2026 – Today marks four years since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, a war that continues to inflict immense suffering on civilians and displace millions both inside and outside the country. As attacks intensified in 2025—the deadliest year for civilians since the war began—Ukrainians have endured the harshest winter yet, with widespread energy outages leaving millions without electricity, heating, and water in temperatures plunging below -20°C.

The humanitarian situation remains dire. Inside Ukraine, 10.8 million people require urgent humanitarian assistance, while 3.7 million are internally displaced. Globally, 5.9 million people have fled the country, with 5.3 million hosted in Europe, including Moldova. Daily, more people are displaced as the war continues.

In Moldova, over 2 million border crossings* from Ukraine have been recorded since February 2022, and as of January 2026, nearly 140,000 Ukrainian refugees continue to reside in the country. Refugees are primarily In the Republic of Moldova, since the beginning of the war, there have been over 2 million border crossings from Ukraine. At the beginning of 2026, nearly 140,000 Ukrainian refugees remain in the country. The majority are predominantly women – 39%, children – 40%, men – 21%; elderly people – approximately 13%, people with disabilities – approximately 19%. Over 86,500 refugees have been granted temporary protection, which ensures their legal stay and access to work, education, and primary healthcare until March 2027.

Between 2022 and 2025, the Republic of Moldova received over $785 million to manage the Ukrainian refugee situation.

UNHCR's response in countries hosting refugees

UNHCR continues to support refugees and host communities, with a focus on inclusion and self-reliance:

• Promoting labor market access and helping refugees overcome barriers to employment.

• Ensuring equitable access to healthcare and national education systems.

• Providing legal advice, and counselling; and complementary child protection services, with particular attention to unaccompanied children or those at risk

• Delivering targeted cash assistance, while supporting transitions into national systems.

• Strengthening community-based protection and social cohesion, advancing localization and preparedness initiatives.

Refugees bring experience, talent, and capacity. Since 2022, Ukrainian refugees in Moldova have contributed over MDL 1.6 billion to the economy through taxes and social contributions.

A call for continued solidarity

As the war enters its fourth year, solidarity has waned and humanitarian funding faced severe cuts. UNHCR appeals for $144 million to assist 480,000 refugees across 10 countries in 2026. The Refugee Response Plan in Moldova appeals for USD $116 million to assist 75,600 refugees and 34,400 host community memembers. Continued international support is critical to ensure protection, assistance, and lasting solutions for those fleeing the war.

“Four years into this war, refugees remain resilient, contributing to the societies that host them while navigating uncertainty and hardship,” said Katja Saha, UNHCR Representative a.i. in Moldova. “We are deeply grateful to governments, donors, and civil society partners who have stood with us. More than ever before, Ukraine needs support, and Ukrainian refugees need our unity and our solidarity. UNHCR stands ready, as always, to work alongside the Government of Moldova and all our partners to uphold that commitment. ”

Notes to Editors

For statistics on refugees in Moldova, see UNHCR Population Trends and Temporary Protection.

For more information on the situation, please contact us at [email protected]

*Crossings refer to border entries; one person may cross multiple times and be counted more than once.