Fewer people using welcome housing under Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme, figures show

The number of people in the Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme using welcome accommodation in Scotland has rapidly declined.

Figures released by the Scottish Government show there were around 350 such rooms occupied by displaced Ukrainians as of January 27.

The figure is down 25% from October 2024 when around 465 rooms were being used.

Welcome accommodation includes hotels and apartments, among other types of accommodation.

The figures have collapsed since their peak of more than 3,800 in November 2022 after Russia’s invasion on February 24 of that year.

Hundreds of thousands of people fled Ukraine to the UK after the UK government set up the Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme.

The Scottish Government said Thursday’s figures do not include all Ukrainians staying in the UK, such as those who have their own accommodation.

Tens of thousands of Ukrainian people have made their way to Scotland over the last three years, many of which were sponsored by the Scottish Government.

Speaking at a ceremony on Monday marking the third anniversary of the war, First Minister John Swinney said he stands as part of a “united front” in support of Ukraine’s independence.

First Minister John Swinney has said he supports Ukrainian independence. PA Media

He said: “Today marks three years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

“During this commemoration service, we will remember those who have lost their lives, those who have lost loved ones, lost their homes and all those who have had their worlds torn apart as a result of the conflict.

“The Scottish Government resolutely condemns Russia’s illegal war against Ukraine as we have done since the invasion.

“Thousands of Ukrainians have since made Scotland their home, and I am proud of the warm Scots’ welcome that we have been able to extend, and I want to reaffirm our commitment to supporting them.”

The statistics come ahead of a meeting with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and US President Donald Trump.

The Labour leader is expected to reiterate his call for a US security guarantee in Ukraine to deter Russia from invading again.

Earlier this month, Mr Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin had a phone call in which they discussed peace in Ukraine.

Representatives from the two countries later met, without Ukraine’s attendance, to discuss a possible peace deal.

The Prime Minister has offered to send British troops to Ukraine as part of peacekeeping missions.

Hundreds of thousands of people are estimated to have died as a result of the conflict.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said this includes 43,00 Ukrainian soldiers and 198,0000 Russian soldiers.