The Ombudsman has revealed the number of Ukrainians who have left the country since the start of the Russian aggression

Since the start of Russian aggression in 2014, approximately 8.5 million citizens have left Ukraine, and more than 5.7 million Ukrainians have fled abroad immediately following the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022. 

These figures were released by Dmytro Lubinets, the Verkhovna Rada Commissioner for Human Rights, during his speech at the World Ukrainian Summit.

The Ombudsman emphasized that public appeals alone are not enough to bring millions of compatriots home—the state and the international community must adopt concrete, systemic solutions. Dmytro Lubinets identified the following as key conditions for the repatriation of Ukrainian citizens:

• International security guarantees: the creation of reliable conditions that would guarantee the protection of people’s lives upon their return to Ukraine.

• A housing program: the development and implementation of a separate, effective state program to address the housing needs of those who have lost their homes as a result of hostilities.

The Human Rights Commissioner emphasized that the temporary protection status currently granted to Ukrainians in various countries around the world must remain in effect until active hostilities are fully concluded. This applies particularly to socially vulnerable groups who require ongoing support.

Dmytro Lubinets drew special attention to the serious problem related to cases of Ukrainian children being taken into custody by foreign child welfare agencies. He officially called on international partners and the governments of host countries to significantly strengthen the protection of the rights and interests of Ukrainian citizens residing outside their homeland.

Source: Lubinets’ Telegram channel.

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