Increased Influx of Ukrainian Refugees in Rhineland-Palatinate
Since the start of the year, the number of Ukrainian refugees arriving in Rhineland-Palatinate has surged significantly, reaching a new high of 53,334 as of January 19, 2023. This figure marks an unprecedented level of influx since the commencement of the Russian invasion three years ago, according to Nils Dettki, spokesperson for the Ministry of Integration.
During the first seven calendar weeks of the year, approximately 935 individuals from Ukraine sought refuge in Rhineland-Palatinate. The influx has steadily increased, with 47 arrivals in the first week, 181 in the sixth week, and 170 in the seventh week.
In comparison to the previous year, Rhineland-Palatinate welcomed 11,175 Ukrainian war refugees. This represented an increase of 1,060 individuals compared to 2023. The third anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine will be commemorated on February 24.
Factors Driving the Increase
According to Minister-President Alexander Schweitzer (SPD), discussions among federal and state representatives indicate that the escalating crisis in Ukraine and the international news landscape are contributing to the heightened influx of Ukrainian refugees into Germany.
Schweitzer stated that the destruction of critical infrastructure in Ukraine has exacerbated energy supply and heating challenges in the country. Furthermore, statements made by former US President Donald Trump regarding Ukraine and the meeting between US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia have created uncertainty.
Education for Ukrainian Students
Since the onset of the war, Rhineland-Palatinate has enrolled over 9,900 Ukrainian students in its schools, as reported by Minister of Education Stefanie Hubig (SPD). This influx of students represents approximately 548,000 total students in the current school year.
Hubig noted that while the number of Ukrainian students remains high, the rate of increase has slowed down compared to the initial months of the war. In addition, over 1,100 Ukrainian children are currently being cared for in daycare centers.
Approximately 150 Ukrainian teachers and caregivers have been employed in Rhineland-Palatinate schools. Some of these individuals were already residing in the region prior to the outbreak of war.
Continued Support for Ukrainian Students
"Regardless of the evolving situation in Ukraine, our primary objective is to ensure that Ukrainian students continue to be fully integrated and valued members of our school communities," Hubig emphasized.
