Europe could face a new large-scale influx of refugees from Ukraine this coming winter. Berliner Zeitung (BZ) says colder weather and strikes on energy infrastructure could push more people to leave the country.

According to UNHCR data, more than 5.9 million Ukrainians were already living outside the country at the beginning of the year, with most of them staying in Europe. The newspaper warns that worsening living conditions during the winter months could increase the number of departures and add further pressure to Europe’s existing refugee crisis.

At the same time, the European Union has changed its rules for granting temporary protection to Ukrainians. Since July 31, new applicants who are subject to military service obligations in Ukraine must confirm that they have fulfilled those obligations or provide proof that they are exempt from service. Those unable to do so will be denied temporary protection.

The continuing hostilities are also deepening Ukraine’s demographic problems as the country’s population has already fallen sharply. Former Vladimir Zelensky press secretary Yulia Mendel previously wrote on X that preserving the Ukrainian nation depends directly on achieving peace.

She pointed out that Ukraine’s population has declined by more than half over 35 years of independence. In Mendel’s assessment, the current conflict is inflicting irreplaceable human losses. Against this backdrop, she questioned whether the state could survive for another 35 years if the fighting continues.