Ukraine

Since the onset of the full-scale invasion in February 2022, the war in Ukraine has caused immense civilian suffering, widespread destruction, and one of the largest displacement crises globally. By the end of 2024, nearly 41,000 civilian casualties had been verified, including almost 12,500 deaths. Around 3.6 million people remain internally displaced, while another 6.8 million Ukrainians have sought refuge abroad.

The humanitarian impact remains profound, with 14.6 million people identified as in need of assistance in 2024. As part of the inter-agency response, UNHCR and its partners delivered life-saving protection services, shelter assistance, cash-based and in-kind support, and housing repairs. Activities also extended to the needs of asylum-seekers, refugees, and stateless persons within the country.

Despite the ongoing conflict and insecurity, signs of early recovery and interest in return are emerging. UNHCR’s intentions survey revealed that 61% of refugees and 73% of internally displaced people (IDPs) are interested in returning home, with access to safety, housing, social services, and jobs being critical conditions for sustainable return.

UNHCR continues to implement a solutions-oriented approach, leveraging its leadership of the Protection, Shelter/NFI, and CCCM Clusters to promote localized, sustainable humanitarian responses. In late 2024, UNHCR consolidated its field operations into five regional offices to strengthen coordination with local and regional authorities.

UNHCR has been present in Ukraine since 1994, when the Agency supported the repatriation of Crimean Tatars, and concluded a Host Country Agreement with the Government of Ukraine in 1996. UNHCR has then scaled up its response dramatically since 2014 and again after the 2022 escalation. Today, it remains a key actor in Ukraine’s humanitarian response, working to protect and support displaced people and those affected by the war, while contributing to long-term recovery and peacebuilding efforts.