EU extends temporary protection for Ukrainian refugees until 2027

"Today, the Council expressed unanimous support for the proposal to extend temporary protection for more than 4 million Ukrainians fleeing Russian aggression until March 4, 2027," the statement reads.

Ukraine's Vice Prime Minister Oleksiy Chernyshov, who attended the EU Council meeting, said that EU countries would discuss "the cooperation and support that the European Union is providing to Ukraine right now."

"We were informed about the extension of the temporary protection status for Ukrainian refugees for another year, until March 2027," he added.

“It is very important to provide these people with clarity on how to plan their lives and their safety. And we are very grateful to the European Union for this very important and timely decision.”

Chernyshov also emphasized the importance of working with Ukrainians in Europe. About 5 million Ukrainians are under temporary protection and this number is growing.

The Ministry of National Unity estimates that about 5 million Ukrainians live in Europe. Up to 70% of citizens may return home after the war ends, Minister Oleksiy Chernyshov said in March. Prior to that, he put the figure at 30% of those who could return to Ukraine under conditions of stable security.