Evacuation of civilians is typically considered a measure of last resort in armed conflict. However, since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, it has become a critical lifeline for millions. Nearly one-third of Ukraine’s population has been forcibly displaced, while civilians remaining in frontline and occupied areas continue to face extreme risks, including indiscriminate attacks, loss of essential services, and grave violations under occupation.
This CIVIC report examines how civilian evacuations have unfolded in Ukraine, the protection risks civilians faced during evacuation, and why most population movements occurred autonomously, without structured institutional support. The findings highlight gaps in preparedness, planning, legal frameworks, and coordination, which disproportionately affected persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups. At the same time, the research documents effective practices, particularly the role of the Ukrainian security and defense forces, the National Police, and Armed Forces of Ukraine Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) officers in assisting evacuations from high-risk areas. Among surveyed evacuees, the vast majority rated support provided by police and military actors as effective.
The report presents key findings, analyzes protection challenges before, during, and after evacuation, and offers practical recommendations for Ukrainian authorities and partners to strengthen civilian protection in future evacuation efforts.
Read the full report in English here and in Ukrainian here.
