Four years have passed since the comprehensive invasion of Ukraine by Russia, and over 100,000 Ukrainian refugees currently live in Romania. Many are facing significant struggles as the support systems that once sustained them have diminished. Personal accounts highlight the growing anxiety of refugees who are unable to move elsewhere due to various circumstances, with one refugee worker in Bucharest lamenting the complete withdrawal of assistance that once provided a sense of security.

Since the full-scale invasion in February 2022, approximately ten million Ukrainians have fled to other countries, with many passing through Moldova to reach Romania. This country, a member of both the European Union and NATO, initially provided refuge and support for these individuals. The European Union’s special measures have allowed Ukrainian refugees to work and stay in Romania, offering a sense of safety, as expressed by those who sought refuge there. The Romanian government initially supplemented living expenses and provided rent assistance for homeowners hosting refugees, making Romania a relatively accessible and affordable destination compared to other European nations.

However, recent cutbacks in support have led to increased tensions and uncertainty among the refugee population. Many no longer receive the financial assistance they relied upon, and basic necessities such as food and housing have become more challenging to secure. For Ukrainian nationals like Olena, who works at a childcare facility for refugee children, the situation has become more dire. With her role centering on caring for the children of working refugee parents, the growing lack of resources threatens both the operational capacity of support facilities and the well-being of the families they serve, further amplifying the fears and anxiety of the community amidst an ongoing crisis.