Friendship across borders: Ukrainian and Russian women combined in Rüdersdorf

Friendship across borders: Ukrainian and Russian women combined in Rüdersdorf

in Rüdersdorf, a small town in Märkisch-Oderland, two women who are connected by the war have built up a remarkable friendship. Jeva, a Ukrainian from Tschornomorsk, and Aleksandra, who comes from Kiev but has a Russian passport, got to know each other at a welcome meeting for Ukrainian refugees. Both are refugees who fled to Germany three years ago after Russia attacked Ukraine. Their joint experiences and their children, who were temporarily classmates, have reinforced this connection.

The two women regularly take activities together, from bicycle trips to restaurant visits, and speak openly about the war. However, there are differences in their views. Aleksandra sees NATO as a threat to Russia, while Jeva sees territorial interests as motifs for the attack. Despite these differences, they emphasize the respectful interaction with each other. Together they are skeptical of peace negotiations and all developments in terms of possible area ability in Ukraine. Regardless of the outcome of the war, both do not want to return.

Ukrainian refugees in Germany

The situation of Ukrainian refugees in Germany remains tense. According to current data, over 1.2 million war refugees from Ukraine in Germany. This number comprises 1,218,314 Ukrainian citizens, of whom 1,065,776 have received a residence permit according to §24 AufenthG. The majority of the refugees, about 97%, are Ukrainian citizens. The demographic distribution is striking: 62% of adults are women, while 37% are men. Among the registered refugees are around 361,000 children and adolescents, of whom are over 132,000 in primary school age.

The living situation of the refugees is different. Most live in North Rhine-Westphalia (263,000), Bavaria (179,000) and Baden-Württemberg (167,000). About 83% of refugees live in private accommodations, while only 10% live in shared accommodation. The labor market integration is slowly running, with only around 306,600 Ukrainians, which found employment until February 2025. The general unemployment rate is 32.4% among the refugees.

stay intentions and legal aspects

The studies also report on the long -term perspectives that more than half of the Ukrainian refugees are planning to stay in Germany. A decline in the return intentions to Ukraine can also be observed, since only 60% of the refugees surveyed indicate that they are planning to return. The protection status for these refugees will be granted by March 4, 2027. Third -country nationals who also had to flee have been under much stricter conditions since November 2024. You are no longer entitled to temporary protection and are no longer allowed to enter Germany without visa.