Politico: EU to appoint special envoy for Ukrainian affairs amid ongoing Russian war

As the unjustified Russian war against Ukraine grinds into its fourth year, the European Union is preparing to appoint a special envoy for Ukrainian affairs, a move that underscores the bloc’s long-term commitment to supporting Ukrainians displaced by the bloody conflict, Politico reports. 

According to uncited sources by the news outlet, former European Commissioner Ylva Johansson is expected to be appointed as the EU’s new special envoy for Ukrainians. 

In this role, Johansson will support the implementation of the European Commission’s new long-term strategy for Ukrainian refugees. In this role she will lead efforts to coordinate EU-wide support for Ukrainian refugees, many of whom fled their homes following the all-out war that started in February 2022. 

“Johansson, a former Swedish minister, was home affairs commissioner from 2019 to 2024. She visited Ukraine on several occasions, including a refugee camp on the border with Romania, and was presented with the Ukrainian order of merit last September,” Politico writes.

Earlier, the EU officially extended temporary protection for displaced Ukrainian refugees until March 4, 2027. Ukrainians fleeing the war who are residing in EU countries can now legally remain for nearly two additional years beyond the previous deadline.

The European Commission also unveiled a plan outlining either a gradual transition for Ukrainian refugees to permanent legal status or support for their return home.