The agency said last year was the deadliest for civilians since the invasion began on February 24, 2022.
Outside Ukraine, 5.9 million refugees remain, including nearly 1 million in Poland, while 3.7 million people are internally displaced.
The UNHCR described this winter as the harshest of the war for many Ukrainians, citing continued attacks on energy infrastructure that have caused widespread power, heating and water outages during periods of extreme cold.
The conflict continues to force people to flee.
About 12 percent of Ukrainian refugees in Poland come from territories in eastern Ukraine that are temporarily occupied by Russian forces.
Many were unable to leave earlier because of limited financial means, illness or disability. Some no longer have homes to return to. The UNHCR said the most vulnerable require specialised assistance, including psychosocial support and basic care.
At the same time, the agency pointed to continued solidarity in Poland and the resilience of Ukrainian refugees.
"Since 2022, the extraordinary solidarity and commitment of the Polish government and society have set a global standard for refugee assistance and inclusion," said Kevin J. Allen, UNHCR representative in Poland.
He added that refugees have also contributed to the Polish economy.
"Over time, Poland has created a win-win scenario by turning the influx of refugees into a stronger Polish economy, with Ukrainian refugees generating 2.7 percent of Polish GDP in 2024," Allen said. "Ensuring favourable conditions for work and education, and investing in human capital, will also benefit Ukraine in the future.”
UNHCR said investing in refugees’ skills and potential is essential both for social cohesion in host countries and for Ukraine’s eventual reconstruction when conditions allow for safe return.
The agency added that amid overlapping global crises and increasingly polarised public debate, solidarity and trust remain critical to ensuring protection and support for those most in need.
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Source: unhcr.org