This article examines the impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on millions of people who were forced to leave their homes. The Red Cross reported that during the first year of the conflict, 14.8 million Ukrainians either remained inside the country or sought shelter across various European nations, including Spain. The scale of displacement highlighted the breadth of humanitarian needs as the war continued, with a substantial share of those affected seeking safety in neighboring countries and beyond the immediate battle zones.
As the year marked the anniversary of the invasion, humanitarian agencies noted a wide, ongoing mobilization within the sector. Conflicts, casualties, infrastructure damage, and ongoing displacement were projected to persist, underscoring the persistent demand for relief services. In response to the harsh winter conditions and economic disruption, aid organizations emphasized the enduring importance of humanitarian support. The Red Cross summarized that more than 1.2 million homes had been damaged or destroyed, 16 million Ukrainians required assistance related to water, sanitation, and hygiene, and 14.5 million needed health support. Maria Alcázar, Director of International Cooperation for the Spanish Red Cross, observed that in the areas most affected by combat, the immediate needs centered on coping with low temperatures and repairing weather-related damage to housing and infrastructure.
The report estimates that more than 7 million people were internally displaced and around 8 million sought refuge in European countries. It also noted that more than 90 percent of the latter group consisted of women, children, the elderly, the disabled, and other vulnerable groups, highlighting the particular risks faced by these populations during displacement and resettlement.
Asylum in Spain
Spain became a key destination for Ukrainian refugees one year into the crisis, with nearly 48,000 individuals arriving at reception centers. The Spanish Red Cross plays a central role in processing requests for international protection and coordinates with the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security, and Migration to manage asylum procedures for those who fled Ukraine.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Inclusion launched a family foster program in major cities including Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga, and Murcia. The framework enables accredited Spanish families to host Ukrainian families in their homes, supported by translation, psychological counseling, and legal assistance. More than 500 families were vetted as hosts, with 82 already providing shelter in Barcelona and Madrid, reflecting a robust, community-based approach to integration.
Integrating into the country
The next phase for Ukrainian refugees involves establishing independence and stability within Spain. Red Cross teams are focused on securing rental housing and connecting newcomers with social resources to sustain livelihoods and support integration into the economy. The goal is to move beyond emergency shelter toward longer-term accommodation and independence. As of the latest updates, a growing number of individuals have left temporary shelters to pursue a more stable living situation, marking a transition into the second phase of resettlement.
Alongside housing, the organization highlights assistance with administrative procedures, employment integration, and labor market participation. Many refugees are actively seeking to resume work, though some would prefer to return to Ukraine or explore opportunities in their previous professional sectors. The barrier most often cited is a mismatch between earned qualifications and local requirements, along with limited proficiency in the local language. In response, many Ukrainians are choosing to re-skill and undertake training to adapt to Spain’s job market, recognizing that immediate return may not be feasible and that building new career paths can offer greater stability.
Red Cross operations extend across Ukraine and Europe, delivering support through partnerships with national Red Cross societies in Slovenia, Poland, Romania, the Czech Republic, France, Spain, and other countries. From the start of the invasion, these efforts have provided vital assistance to millions and continue to guide coordinated relief across borders.
Together, these initiatives illustrate a comprehensive humanitarian response that blends shelter, protection, healthcare, and long-term integration. The shared objective remains clear: help affected families rebuild, regain autonomy, and establish new roots in a context of ongoing uncertainty and hope for a safer future.