More than a quarter of the pre-war population: how many Ukrainians actually left the country

The mass exodus of Ukrainians abroad has become one of the key demographic challenges for the country in recent decades. Find out how many Ukrainians are actually outside the country and why the real figures significantly exceed consular records

An insurance policy is a guarantee of your safety and peace of mind while traveling outside Ukraine

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The scale of Ukrainians leaving the country after the start of full-scale war turned out to be much greater than official records show. The real migration figures remain a subject of debate, as a significant portion of citizens are not included in state statistics.

How many Ukrainians have left the country?

According to a statement by Dmytro Lubinets, the Verkhovna Rada's Human Rights Commissioner, there may be around 11 million Ukrainians outside Ukraine today. This estimate significantly exceeds the official data and, according to the ombudsman, reflects the real situation much more accurately.

According to information from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, approximately 8.5 million Ukrainian citizens are registered with consulates abroad. However, consular registration is not mandatory, and many Ukrainians who have left the country do not register for various reasons, ranging from the temporary nature of their stay to a reluctance to interact with state authorities.

It is this difference between the actual number of people abroad and the officially registered data, according to Lubinets, that creates serious problems for the state. The lack of accurate statistics complicates the development of support programmes for Ukrainians abroad, planning for their possible return, and the formation of long-term demographic and social policies.

A significant proportion of Ukrainians abroad continue to actively travel between European countries — in their own cars or rented transport. In such conditions, compulsory car insurance for trips abroad becomes particularly important. For Ukrainian drivers, this is the Green Card, without which it is impossible to cross the border and legally drive on EU roads.

You can take out a policy online on the Visit Ukraine portal — quickly, without queues and with support in Ukrainian. This is especially convenient for those who are abroad and do not have the opportunity to contact insurance offices in Ukraine.

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More than a quarter of the country's pre-war population

If we compare these estimates with the population of Ukraine before the start of the full-scale war (about 41.5-41.6 million people in 2021), we are talking about the departure of more than a quarter of the population. This scale of migration has become one of the largest in modern European history.

Remember! Financial mistakes abroad can ruin your trip and increase your expenses. It is important to know how to prepare cash, cards and online payments. Learn more about how to avoid unnecessary expenses and not be left without money abroad.

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Our recommendation for a safe and comfortable trip: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance - insurance for a safe stay abroad without unnecessary expenses;

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Visit Ukraine Tickets - book tickets for buses, trains, and airplanes to/from Ukraine and between cities around the world;

Private Lawyer service - professional legal support on visa and migration issues;

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