Four years after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, an increasing number of refugees are expressing a desire to remain in their host country.
The finding comes from a survey carried out by researchers from the University of Copenhagen and the ROCKWOOL Foundation in Denmark, now published as RFBerlin Research Insight 05/26.
According to the survey, 76 percent of Ukrainians now want to stay in Denmark, up from 69 percent a year ago. “The longer the war continues, the more refugees want to stay” said Mette Foged, a researcher at the ROCKWOOL Foundation and professor at the University of Copenhagen. “In 2023 only about 50 percent wanted to remain in Denmark, and the trend may apply to other host countries where Ukrainians have sought refuge”.
In addition, 21 percent said they would stay as long as their hometown remains unsafe, while only 3 percent are now eager to return home. “Fewer people see a future in Ukraine at present” Foged added.
The intention to stay is highest among those aged 18-49, at roughly 80 percent, and then falls off. The oldest respondents are the least likely to want to remain; only 52 percent of those over 60 would stay in Denmark.
Among the 77 percent who wish to stay, a majority report fear of being sent back to Ukraine. These fears can be serious, moderate, or minimal depending on individual circumstances. In Denmark, Ukrainians are granted only temporary residence status.
The data were collected through a questionnaire administered to adult Ukrainians (18 years and older) who arrived in Denmark between the start of the large‑scale invasion in February 2022 and July 2024. The survey was conducted from October 2025 to January 2026.