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Country analysis

Belarus

The Russia–Ukraine conflict started in 2014 and escalated into a full-scale Russian invasion in 2022, including from Belarus territory, triggering mass displacement within Ukraine and abroad.

Until the end of June 2025, over 42,000 people from Ukraine remained displaced in Belarus. Until May, the majority of those surveyed by UNHCR (over 60%) were women displaced from the eastern and southern oblasts of Ukraine, including Donetska, Kharkivska, and Zaporizka oblasts.

Main needs include financial assistance, accommodation, food, employment, and health. Other needs include legal assistance, education, and information. Children illegally moved from Russian-occupied areas in Ukraine to youth militarisation camps in Belarus in coordination with the Russian Government face significant protection risks.

In May 2025, over 65% were renting accommodation, and around 10% were staying with friends or family, up from 50% and 10% in 2023, respectively. These changes indicate the need for more sustainable support in the protracted displacement crisis in Belarus.

Displacement dynamics in Belarus also include the newly displaced who seek to return to Ukrainian-controlled territory after leaving occupied territories through Russia. The only remaining crossing point between Belarus and Ukraine is in southwest Belarus. (CFR accessed 01/08/2025, UNHCR accessed 11/08/2025, The Guardian 20/07/2023, IOM 31/05/2023, UNHCR 02/06/2025)

The Russia–Ukraine conflict started in 2014 and escalated into a full-scale Russian invasion in 2022, including from Belarus territory, triggering mass displacement within Ukraine and abroad.

Until the end of June 2025, over 42,000 people from Ukraine remained displaced in Belarus. Until May, the majority of those surveyed by UNHCR (over 60%) were women displaced from the eastern and southern oblasts of Ukraine, including Donetska, Kharkivska, and Zaporizka oblasts.

Main needs include financial assistance, accommodation, food, employment, and health. Other needs include legal assistance, education, and information. Children illegally moved from Russian-occupied areas in Ukraine to youth militarisation camps in Belarus in coordination with the Russian Government face significant protection risks.

In May 2025, over 65% were renting accommodation, and around 10% were staying with friends or family, up from 50% and 10% in 2023, respectively. These changes indicate the need for more sustainable support in the protracted displacement crisis in Belarus.

Displacement dynamics in Belarus also include the newly displaced who seek to return to Ukrainian-controlled territory after leaving occupied territories through Russia. The only remaining crossing point between Belarus and Ukraine is in southwest Belarus. (CFR accessed 01/08/2025, UNHCR accessed 11/08/2025, The Guardian 20/07/2023, IOM 31/05/2023, UNHCR 02/06/2025)

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Latest updates on country situation

28 November 2023

By the end of November 2023, the number of refugees from Ukraine in Belarus had increased to 37,000 from 22,000 in June. Most refugees came from conflict-affected oblasts, such as the eastern oblasts of Donetsk, Kharkiv, and Luhansk. 80% were displaced in 2022, and the number has continued to gradually increase in 2023. Based on the latest UNHCR survey conducted between April–September, around 35% were staying in rented accommodation, while 40% were with relatives. Cash assistance was reported as the most urgent need and preferred modality of assistance. Healthcare access was unaffordable for 80% of those surveyed. Among the main information gaps are the number of unaccompanied children displaced to Belarus from areas under Russian control in Ukraine and the full extent of the protection risks they are facing. (UNHCR accessed 28/11/2023, UNHCR 10/11/2023, UNHCR 19/06/2023, Conflict Observatory 16/11/2023)

current crises
in Belarus

BLR002 - Displacement from Ukraine

Last updated 29/07/2025

Drivers

International Displacement

Crisis level

Country

Severity level

1.7 Low

Access constraints

2.0

Analysis products
on Belarus

Migration crisis on the Poland-Belarus border

01 July 2022

Migration crisis on the Poland-Belarus border

DOCUMENT / PDF / 330 KB

This report outlines the living conditions and needs of migrants and asylum seekers stranded in the Poland-Belarus border area as a result of a political crisis and migration policies. It is an update of a similar ACAPS report published in December 2021.

Mixed migration
Migration crisis on the Belarus-Poland border

02 December 2021

Migration crisis on the Belarus-Poland border

DOCUMENT / PDF / 610 KB

Thousands of migrants have been arriving to the Belarusian border since July 2021. As at 13 November, an estimated 20,000 migrants and asylum seekers are present in Belarus. At least 5,000 people are stuck on the Poland-Belarus border without adequate access to services or assistance. 

Mixed migration
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