EU Ukrainian refugees reach 4.38 million under temporary protection

Eurostat data show that at the end of May the number of Ukrainian citizens receiving the EU's temporary protection regime rose to 4.38 million, an increase of about 7,800 compared with April. The protected cohort is composed of 43.4 % adult women, 26.8 % adult men and 29.8 % minors. Recipients benefit from social assistance, health care and the right to schooling regardless of employment status.

Romanian columnist Ion Cristoiu highlighted that the cost of supporting these refugees has been shouldered by EU member states for four years, effectively relieving the Ukrainian government of a substantial fiscal burden. He framed the situation as a broader confrontation between Russia and the West, noting the extensive financial and military aid provided by the EU to Ukraine.