One third of the population: The UN calculated the number of Ukrainian refugees in the world

In the two years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, more than 14 million Ukrainians have been forced to flee their homes. Some Ukrainian citizens who failed to obtain refugee status also remain abroad.

How many Ukrainians were forced to leave their homes?

In the two years since the full-scale Russian invasion began, more than 14 million Ukrainians—almost a third of the country's population—have been forced to flee their homes. More than 6.5 million of them currently live outside the country as refugees. This was stated in a report by the United Nations International Organization for Migration (IOM).

According to IOM Director-General Amy Pope, the destruction in Ukraine is widespread, and "the loss of life and suffering continues."

Throughout this time, IOM has had a constant presence in Ukraine and neighboring countries, supporting the huge number of people fleeing for their lives. However, the needs are enormous, and more needs to be done—emphasized Pope.

40% of Ukraine's population needs help.

IOM notes that in 2024, over 14.6 million Ukrainians—40 percent of the total population of Ukraine—will need some form of humanitarian aid, and 2.2 million refugees will need help in neighboring countries.

“About 3.7 million people remain homeless in Ukraine, and almost 6.5 million worldwide are refugees. To date, more than 4.5 million have returned home, either from abroad or from internal displacement,” the organization says.

They added that they count on increased support from donors and local partners "to overcome the challenges they face and ensure a better life for Ukrainians."

“IOM thanks the Government of Ukraine and the Ukrainian people for their strength and resilience, and to Ukraine's neighbors who welcome those seeking safety. We remain fully committed to alleviating human suffering and promoting recovery," said the organization's director-general.

If Putin wins, up to 20 million Ukrainians may emigrate - Forbes

If the president of the aggressor country Russia, Vladimir Putin, wins the war he started in Ukraine, more than 20 million Ukrainians will flee to the West. This assessment was presented by journalist and immigration lawyer Andy Semotyuk in a column for Forbes.

The author assumes that about 6 million people have left Ukraine since the beginning of the invasion, and 8 million have become forced migrants. The article states that with such a large number of refugees, the costs the West will incur may exceed $1 trillion annually. And even if only 3-4 million leave, the burden will be very significant.

As the article notes, the new long-term Cold War with Russia that the United States will be drawn into could cost an estimated $4 trillion or more over 10 years.

"Anyone who knows the history of Europe before World War II, and especially Hitler's march to war as leader of Nazi Germany, will understand what is at stake"
the publication says.

According to the author of the article, if we recall the actions of the Russian Federation in Syria, Moldova, Georgia, Crimea, Donbas, and during the massive invasion of Ukraine, leaving Ukraine without help is a "terrible mistake", which reminds us that more than 50 million people died as a result of World War II.

The Forbes author believes that if Putin conquers Ukraine, he will then attack the Baltic countries, ostensibly to protect the Russian minority there and later Poland. The world will be drawn into war, and American soldiers will be forced to participate in it - we read in the article.