Over 2.5 Million Ukrainian Children Still Displaced as War Enters Fifth Year: UNICEF

More than a third of Ukraine's children — 2.59 million — remain displaced as the war enters its fifth year, according to new figures released by UNICEF, underscoring the enduring toll of the conflict on the country's youngest generation.

The displacement includes:

• 791,000 children still uprooted inside Ukraine

• Nearly 1.8 million children living as refugees abroad

"Millions of children and families have fled their homes in search of safety, with 1 in 3 children remaining displaced four years into this relentless war," said UNICEF Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia Regina De Dominicis.

"For children in Ukraine, safety is increasingly hard to come by… In many ways, the war is following these children."

Children Forced to Flee Again and Again

UNICEF says many families have been forced to move repeatedly as attacks continue across civilian areas.

A recent UNICEF survey found that among displaced adolescents aged 15–19:

• One in three reported moving at least twice

• Safety was the most common reason for fleeing

The constant upheaval has left children without stability, security or consistent access to education and support networks.

Child Casualties Continue to Rise

Since the full-scale invasion began on 24 February 2022, bombardments and long-range strikes have killed or injured more than:

• 3,200 children

UNICEF reports that 2025 saw a 10 percent increase in child casualties compared with 2024, marking the third consecutive year of rising UN-verified child casualties.

Schools and Essential Services Devastated

The services children depend on have been heavily damaged over the last four years.

UNICEF says more than:

• 1,700 schools and education facilities have been damaged or destroyed

As a result:

• One in three children cannot attend in-person schooling full-time

Education disruptions have compounded learning loss, isolation and mental health strain among young people.

Winter Strikes Leave Families Without Heat or Water

Recent attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure have plunged millions into extreme hardship during sub-zero winter temperatures.

Children and families have endured days without:

• Heating

• Electricity

• Safe water

UNICEF warns that babies and young children face heightened risks of:

• Respiratory illness

• Hypothermia

Meanwhile, health services are struggling under continued attacks. In 2025 alone, nearly:

• 200 medical facilities were verified as damaged or destroyed

Mental Health Crisis Growing Among Adolescents

Beyond the physical dangers, UNICEF says the psychological burden on children is deepening.

Constant fear, repeated sheltering, isolation and limited social contact have left adolescents increasingly distressed.

A recent survey found:

• One in four adolescents aged 15–19 is losing hope for a future in Ukraine

UNICEF says this highlights an urgent need for safety, stability, and sustained investment in youth services and opportunities.

UNICEF Response Reaches Millions

UNICEF continues to support displaced and conflict-affected children inside Ukraine and in neighboring host countries, providing life-saving services including:

• Safe water

• Health care and nutrition

• Education support

• Child protection

• Mental health and psychosocial care

UNICEF is also helping repair critical infrastructure such as schools, health facilities and water systems damaged by attacks.

In 2025, UNICEF reported reaching:

• 7 million people, including 2.5 million children, with humanitarian support

• Strengthened social services for 9.8 million people through recovery programming

Call to Uphold International Humanitarian Law

Regina De Dominicis stressed that children must be protected under international humanitarian law.

"Every possible measure to protect children and the civilian infrastructure they rely on must be taken," she said.

"Every child has the right to grow up in safety — and without exception that right must be respected."

The figures highlight the prolonged humanitarian crisis facing Ukraine's children, with millions still displaced, growing casualties, and essential services under relentless strain as the war continues into its fifth year.