site.btaUNICEF: Nearly 24,000 Ukrainian Children Live in Bulgaria in 2026

Since the start of the war, over 220,000 Ukrainians have received temporary protection in Bulgaria. In 2026, more than 80,000 Ukrainian citizens continue to reside in the country, of whom 25–30%, or nearly 24,000, are children, said UNICEF Bulgaria, citing data of the State Agency for Refugees (SAR).

“At first, when I arrived in Bulgaria, it was difficult, 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 added that it works with national and local authorities, as well as non-governmental organizations, to ensure access to essential services for vulnerable Ukrainian children and families. This includes support for education, access to information, help with adaptation, as well as group and individual support to cope with trauma and uncertainty, UNICEF Bulgaria noted.

More than one-third of children in Ukraine (2,589,900) remain displaced as the war enters its fifth year, the organization noted. 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 support its independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a position marking four years since the start of the war in Ukraine.