EU extends Ukrainians' right to stay until 2028, with new draft rule for arrivals

EU member states have agreed to extend temporary protection for Ukrainians fleeing the war until March 2028. The decision means people who already hold the status will be able to continue living, working and receiving benefits across the bloc for longer. The move comes as the war in Ukraine continues into its fifth year and the displacement crisis remains one of the largest in Europe.

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Ambassadors from the 27 member states approved the extension on Wednesday, according to the supplied material. The current protection regime was first activated after Russia's 2022 invasion, giving Ukrainians a fast-track legal basis to remain in the European Union. The new arrangement also introduces a change for new applicants: it will not cover those subject to Ukraine's military draft who arrive in the bloc.

The rule change was described as reflecting Ukraine's defence needs and its need for manpower. Under wartime law, men aged 23 to 60 are not allowed to leave Ukraine, and the new limitation will apply only to people applying for temporary protection in future. It will not affect those already benefiting from the scheme, which currently covers about 4.4 million Ukrainians across the EU.

The decision matters because temporary protection has become a central part of Europe's response to the war's civilian fallout. It allows displaced Ukrainians to avoid the slower asylum process while giving them access to work and services in host countries. The extension also gives governments and aid agencies more certainty as the conflict continues and as many families remain unable to return home safely.

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The largest communities of Ukrainians under the scheme are in Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic, according to EU data cited in the material. Adult men make up about 27% of those currently benefiting from protection, while women account for 43% and minors 30%. The EU said last year that it was considering a transition away from the current system, including possible longer-term residence routes or support for voluntary return when conditions improve.

What remains unclear is how many new applicants will be affected by the draft-related restriction and how member states will apply it in practice. The extension still needs to be translated into national procedures, and governments will have to decide how to manage the scheme beyond 2028. For now, the decision signals that the bloc expects the displacement caused by the war to continue for some time.

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