This is an update and supplement to USCRI’s March 2024 report on the Humanitarian Situation in Ukraine.

Mass Displacement

The mass displacement crisis continues in Ukraine. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reports that over 6.7 million refugees from Ukraine have fled for protection in other countries. Over 6 million Ukrainian refugees are hosted by European countries, and about 400,000 Ukrainians are hosted by Canada and the United States. Poland previously hosted the largest number of Ukrainian refugees, but many refugees have migrated a second time to other European countries due to higher income opportunities and better social security. Germany now hosts the largest number of Ukrainian refugees.

The Ukrainian refugee situation has become more complex due to the prolonged conflict. Many refugees from Ukraine have kept in close contact with family and friends through short-term visits to Ukraine. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) estimates the number of returnees, which include short-term visitors and permanent returnees, at around 4.6 million.

UNHCR reports that there are nearly 3.7 million internally displaced persons (IDPs), as of February 2024. IOM reports that 70% of internally displaced people are displaced for over a year.

Civilian Deaths and Destruction

Over the spring and summer of 2024, the security situation has deteriorated in Ukraine, leading to high levels of civilian deaths and displacement. The United Nations (UN) verified that 11,743 civilians in Ukraine were killed and 24,614 injured between February 24, 2022, and August 31, 2024. Conflict also destroyed 1,358 educational facilities and 580 medical facilities. Between January and August, Sumska, Dnipropetrovska, Kharkivska, and Donetska oblasts had the highest number of attacks on civilian areas. September 2024 was the deadliest month for civilians since October 2022—at least 208 civilians were killed, including nine children, and 1,220 were injured. Attacks were during the daytime and targeted at populated civilian areas, which led to high civilian casualties. Glide bombs filled with shrapnel have also devastated civilian areas due to their ability to go largely undetected before detonation.

Click here to read the complete update.

USCRI, founded in 1911, is a non-governmental, not-for-profit international organization committed to working on behalf of refugees and immigrants and their transition to a dignified life.

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