New risks of exploitation for Ukrainian refugees
As Russia’s war on Ukraine grinds on, waves of displacement threaten to exacerbate vulnerabilities for those fleeing the conflict. Recent reports suggest that the Trump administration is set to revoke the temporary legal status of 240,000 Ukrainians in the US. Meanwhile, his threats to withdraw military support have prompted the EU to brace for another influx of refugees. These developments place displaced Ukrainians at a heightened risk of human trafficking and labor exploitation.
A renewed exodus and increased vulnerability
The potential withdrawal of US military backing for Ukraine is already raising concerns in Europe. According to Politico, EU officials are preparing for another large-scale refugee wave. This is due to the fear that an emboldened Russia could intensify its military offensive, driving more Ukrainians to seek refuge in Europe. This would add to the more than 8 million who have already fled since Russia’s invasion began in February 2022.
But crossing into the EU is not without risks. Since the war began, reports have surfaced of Ukrainian refugees being targeted by traffickers and exploitative employers. A recent case assessment study conducted by La Strada International (LSI) analyzed 42 cases among displaced Ukrainians. According to the report, labor exploitation was the most prevalent form of exploitation (17 cases), followed by sexual exploitation (13 cases) and criminal exploitation (2 cases).
As written in the report,
Another notable finding is that people eligible for temporary protection status remained vulnerable to severe forms of exploitation and abuse. So, despite the prevention activities conducted and their access to rights, these people were still exposed to exploitation and other harm. Our assessment also found evidence of exposure to risks online, with 12 of the 42 cases involving online recruitment.
From the beginning of the conflict, we have seen clear evidence that Ukrainians—especially those fleeing without financial or social support—are at high risk of exploitation. Without stable legal status, these risks multiply.