Internally Displaced Persons in Ukraine: Housing Challenges and the Need for Long-Term Solutions

Ukraine is experiencing one of the largest internal migration crises in modern history. Since the full-scale Russian invasion in 2022, the number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) has risen to 4.6 million. According to official data as of January 2025, 59.8% of IDPs are women (2,765,063 individuals), while 40.2% are men (1,857,698 individuals). Many of these people cannot return to their homes due to destroyed housing, active hostilities, or occupation.

Despite efforts by the government and international organizations, housing remains a critical issue for IDPs. The Ukrainian government has implemented support programs, including rental compensation, social housing, and preferential mortgage lending. However, resources are limited, and bureaucratic processes often complicate access to assistance.

Challenges and Barriers

• Housing Shortage: The scale of destruction and the strain on housing programs have led to a lack of available housing for IDPs. Around 250,000 people continue to live in temporary settlements.
• Financial Difficulties: Most programs rely on international donors, and a lack of domestic funding slows the implementation of housing initiatives.
• Gender Challenges: The majority of IDPs are women, who face difficulties in accessing employment and social services due to a lack of stable housing.
• Lack of Long-Term Strategy: Existing measures are temporary, whereas sustainable solutions are needed to integrate displaced persons into host communities.

International Experience and Potential Solutions

Governments of other countries that have faced similar crises have implemented comprehensive housing programs:

• Finland significantly reduced homelessness through a social housing and rental subsidy model.
• Germany introduced a preferential mortgage program that provided stable housing for refugees.
• Georgia implemented compensation mechanisms for lost housing and facilitated the resettlement of IDPs into permanent homes.

For Ukraine, an effective approach could be the establishment of a Unified State Housing Fund for IDPs, which would pool resources from the state budget, international aid, and reparations to finance construction, compensation, and preferential loans.

Recommendations for Sustainable Housing Solutions for IDPs

1. Expanding Social Rental Programs – Creating a state housing fund for long-term IDP accommodation.
2. Introducing Digital Compensation Mechanisms – Simplifying the application process for compensation through the “Diia” platform and implementing a voucher system.
3. Financing Housing through International Partnerships – Engaging credit mechanisms from KfW, the World Bank, and the EBRD.
4. Investing in Reconstruction – Stimulating the construction of affordable housing in host communities.
5. Ensuring Housing Rights for IDPs – Legally securing IDPs’ priority rights for housing compensation and access to housing programs.

Providing internally displaced persons with decent living conditions is not only a humanitarian issue but also a key factor in Ukraine’s social stability and economic recovery. A comprehensive policy that addresses both current needs and long-term integration prospects is essential for a sustainable resolution to this crisis.