Since the beginning of the war, over 220,000 people have received temporary protection in Bulgaria. In 2026, more than 80,000 Ukrainian citizens continue to reside in the country, of whom between 25%–30%, or nearly 24,000, are children. This is reported by “UNICEF Bulgaria”, referring to data from the State Agency for Refugees (SAR).
“In the beginning, when I came to Bulgaria, it was difficult for me and I didn't want to communicate with anyone. Today I already have friends here, I study in a Bulgarian school and I dream of becoming a child psychologist because I want to help other children,” said 16-year-old Denis from Ukraine, quoted by “UNICEF Bulgaria”.
The organization adds that they are working with national and local authorities, as well as with non-governmental organizations, to ensure access to essential services for vulnerable children and families from Ukraine. This includes support for education, access to information, assistance with adaptation, as well as group and individual support for dealing with trauma and insecurity, the organization also says, adding from “UNICEF Bulgaria”.
More than a third of the children in Ukraine (2,589,900) remain displaced as the war enters its fifth year, the organization also comments. This includes over 791,000 internally displaced children and nearly 1,798,900 children who have sought refuge outside the country, according to data from “UNICEF Bulgaria”.
Bulgaria will continue to stand by Ukraine and will support its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on the occasion of the fourth year since the beginning of the war in Ukraine.