Kyiv, Budapest, Geneva, 14 February 2025 – A new report from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) highlights that financial hardship is pushing more displaced Ukrainians to return home even to front-line areas where devastation and the threat of violence remains high.
The report paints a stark picture of people pushed to their limits both inside and outside of Ukraine. For those abroad, support systems are weakened, and living costs continue to rise. For many, especially older individuals, debt is mounting, healthcare is inaccessible, and the daily struggles are becoming overwhelming.
“People are reaching a tipping point—between the hardship of displacement and the uncertainty of returning to potentially dangerous areas. Whether they stay or go, their needs are growing and require sustained support,” said Birgitte Bischoff Ebbesen, IFRC Regional Director for Europe.
“Once they return to Ukraine, the humanitarian needs are significant – ranging from food and necessities to assistance finding employment. Still, many are returning to contribute to Ukraine’s rebuilding efforts, despite the immense challenges that await.”
Key Findings from the Report:
- Economic strains driving people to return: Over half of those returning to Ukraine are doing so due to economic pressures, with 23 per cent reducing their food intake due to lack of resources.
- Returning to high-risk areas: 27 per cent of returnees are settling in areas near the front lines, despite serious security risks. A shocking 79 per cent of returnees to frontline areas report urgent unmet humanitarian needs.
- Debt: One in three returning refugees are currently in debt, with 12 per cent facing crippling debt they are unable to pay back.
- Older populations at severe risk: 54 per cent of displaced elderly Ukrainians rely on government aid, which is often insufficient. 32 per cent are living alone, increasing their vulnerability.
- Declining support: A drop in projected international aid in 2025 is putting critical humanitarian programmes at risk. The IFRC currently faces a CHF 280 million funding gap to sustain essential services for those affected.
With millions of Ukrainians facing worsening conditions both at home and in host countries, the IFRC is urging governments, donors, and humanitarian partners to step up support for displaced populations.
“Without urgent funding and policy action, we are pushing people into an impossible choice: poverty abroad or insecure conditions at home. We must do better,” said Ebbesen.
The IFRC network continues to deliver critical aid, including emergency cash assistance, mental health support, and essential winter supplies to vulnerable populations in Ukraine and host countries globally. With one of the largest humanitarian responses in history, 60 Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies are supporting people impacted by the Russia-Ukraine International Armed Conflict across the globe. However, sustained funding and policy commitments are crucial to ensuring displaced Ukrainians can rebuild their lives with dignity.
*This analysis is based on data collected from 5,400 displaced Ukrainians, returnees, and communities affected by the crisis inside and outside Ukraine. It covers six countries across Europe as well as Ukraine.
For more information, contact:
For all media inquiries, reach out to [email protected]
In Kyiv: Anastasiia Shvets, +380 99 408 5860
In Budapest: Corrie Butler, +36 70 430 6506; Nora Peter, +36 70 265 4020
In Geneva: Tommaso Della Longa, +41 79 708 4367; Hannah Copeland, +41 76 236 9109
