When Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, millions of lives changed forever. Families were separated overnight, careers were interrupted and countless women suddenly found themselves forced to leave everything behind in search of safety.
France became one of the countries that welcomed thousands of displaced Ukrainians. According to official figures published by the French Ministry of the Interior (Direction générale des étrangers en France), 118,800 Ukrainian adults received Temporary Protection between March 2022 and the end of 2025. By December 2025, more than 69,000 were still living in France, demonstrating that many families have chosen to establish long-term lives while remaining deeply connected to Ukraine.
Now the Ukrainian community in France continues to grow, bringing together women who are rebuilding their futures while preserving their identity and culture.
My name is Lyudmila Gladka, founder and professional matchmaker at Mila Dating Agency. For nearly twenty years, I have worked with Ukrainian women from different backgrounds, helping them create lasting international relationships based on trust, shared values, and genuine compatibility.
During the past four years, I have personally spoken with hundreds of Ukrainian women who have relocated to France. Their experiences have been remarkably diverse. Some found employment within just a few weeks of arriving, while others chose to spend several months learning French before feeling confident enough to re-enter the job market.
Marina's (Profile 176) from Kharkiv story perfectly illustrates it perfectly. Before the war, she worked as a certified nurse in Ukraine. After arriving in Bar-le-Duc, France, she found a position in an EHPAD (a French nursing home for elderly residents) within just one week where she has already spent almost five years working. The work is both physically demanding and emotionally challenging, yet Marina never wanted to rely on financial assistance for longer than necessary. Her goal was to become independent as quickly as possible and continue supporting her family back in Ukraine.
Although her work schedule made it impossible to attend the French language courses offered through France Travail (formerly Pôle emploi), she studies French independently every day.
Another client, Sofia (Profile 106) took a different path. Rather than accepting the first available job, she decided to invest in herself by studying French for almost a year. Once she felt confident communicating with native speakers, she secured a position as a hotel receptionist. She often tells me that learning French was one of the best decisions she made. For Sofia, mastering the language became the key not only to a successful career but also to feeling truly at home in France.
This article is based not only on publicly available information but also on my daily conversations with women living this reality. Their stories reveal remarkable courage, and hope.
Starting a New Life in France
Leaving home is never simply a change of address. For these women, the decision to leave often meant saying goodbye to husbands, parents, careers, and the life they had carefully built over many years.
The majority of women did not come to France because they had dreamed of emigrating. They came because they had no other choice.
For Ukrainians, the first months were emotionally overwhelming. They arrived with children, one or two suitcases, and enormous uncertainty about the future. Finding accommodation, understanding French administrative procedures, enrolling children in school, and navigating daily life in an unfamiliar country became immediate priorities.
Despite these challenges, what impressed me most was how quickly new comers beginning a new chapter looking forward instead of dwelling only on loss.
They attended language courses, searched for employment, volunteered in local communities, and built friendships with both fellow Ukrainians and French families.
Over the past four years, countless Ukrainian professionals have successfully creating new opportunities in their careers in France. At present they work in healthcare, education, hospitality, the beauty industry and many other sectors. Some have even launched their own businesses after adapting to life in a new country.
I also remember Nina (Profile 172), an interior designer who managed to continue her profession in France. After starting over professional network, she began working on small interior design projects and is gradually growing her own business.
Others have made difficult decisions about their future. Marina (Profile 179), for example, has chosen to build a permanent life in France because her hometown remains under Russian occupation. For her, returning home is no longer a realistic option. At the same time, many other Ukrainian women still hope that one day they will be able to return to a peaceful, independent Ukraine.
These different journeys reflect a common reality: every woman has her own story, her own challenges, and her own vision of the future. Yet all of them demonstrate remarkable dedication, and the ability to create new opportunities even after experiencing the hardships of war.
Legal Status and Long-Term Residence
One of the most important factors helping Ukrainian immigrants in France adapting to life has been the legal protection offered by the French government and the European Union.
Since the beginning of the war, France has granted temporary protection to 118,800 adult Ukrainian citizens. According to the French Ministry of the Interior (Ministère de l’Intérieur, Directorate-General for Foreigners in France — DGEF, report “Présence des Ukrainiens adultes ayant une autorisation de séjour en France”), approximately 17% of Ukrainians remaining in France have obtained subsidiary protection (protection subsidiaire), which provides a more stable long-term residence status.
Understanding one's legal status is often the first step toward employment, education, healthcare, and long-term planning.
Temporary Protection
The Ukrainians arriving after February 2022 received Temporary Protection under the European Union's emergency framework.
This status allows beneficiaries to:
- legally reside in France;
- work without applying for a separate work permit;
- access healthcare;
- receive social assistance;
- enroll children in French schools;
- participate in integration programs and French language courses.
Temporary Protection has provided essential stability during an exceptionally difficult period, allowing many women to begin creating their personal and professional lives much sooner than would otherwise have been possible.
Subsidiary Protection
Some Ukrainians have also applied for or received Subsidiary Protection depending on their individual circumstances.
Although the legal process differs, this status offers longer-term security for those who cannot safely return to Ukraine.
For many families, obtaining more permanent residence status represents an important emotional milestone. It allows them to invest confidently in education, careers, property, and long-term relationships without living in constant uncertainty.
Supporting Ukraine While Living Abroad
Moving abroad has never meant forgetting home.
One of the most inspiring aspects of the Ukrainian diaspora is its unwavering commitment to supporting Ukraine from wherever people now live.
Those who arrived to France continue helping their homeland every week despite building new lives in France.
Volunteering
Across French cities, Ukrainian associations organize humanitarian collections, fundraising events, charity dinners, and medical aid shipments.
Thousands of volunteers prepare care packages, collect clothing, purchase medical supplies, organize transportation, and raise awareness about Ukraine like Elena 209. She is an active member of La maison Ukrainienne, Merignac
A large number of women dedicate evenings and weekends to volunteer work while balancing careers and family responsibilities.
Others volunteer by translating documents, assisting newly arrived refugees, or helping Ukrainian children adapt to French schools.
One of the woman I work with is Vita (Profile 135). Before the war, she worked as a French language teacher in Kharkiv, Ukraine. Today, she teaches Ukrainian children at a school in Caen, helping them overcome language barriers, adjust to a new education system, and feel more confident in their new environment.
Stories like Vita's illustrate how many Ukrainian women continue to use their professional skills to support both their own community and French society.
This spirit of solidarity has strengthened not only the Ukrainian diaspora but also the relationship between French citizens and the Ukrainian community in France.
Many lasting friendships have been built through these volunteer initiatives.
Keeping Ukrainian Traditions Alive
Integration does not mean giving up one's identity. One of the most inspiring aspects of the Ukrainian community in France is its determination to preserve Ukrainian traditions while embracing French culture.
Since 2022, Ukrainian associations, volunteers, municipalities, and local communities have organized hundreds of cultural events throughout France. Cities such as Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Nice, Toulouse, Strasbourg, Bordeaux, and many smaller towns regularly host Ukrainian festivals, charity concerts, art exhibitions, and national celebrations.
These events serve two important purposes. They allow Ukrainians to stay connected to their heritage while introducing French society to Ukraine's rich culture, history, cuisine, music, and traditions.
Ukrainian Festivals and Charity Fairs
Seasonal fairs have become an important meeting place for both Ukrainians and French families.
Visitors can discover:
- traditional Ukrainian embroidery (vyshyvanka);
- handmade crafts;
- Ukrainian food and pastries;
- folk music and dance performances;
- children's creative workshops;
- charity auctions supporting humanitarian projects in Ukraine.
Countless women volunteer their time preparing traditional dishes, organizing workshops, or selling handmade items to raise funds for hospitals, displaced families, and military charities.
These events have strengthened friendships between French citizens and Ukrainian immigrants in France, creating genuine cultural exchange rather than simple humanitarian assistance.
Celebrating Ukrainian Holidays
Despite living abroad, many families continue celebrating Christmas, Easter, Independence Day, and other important Ukrainian holidays.
Children learn traditional songs, decorate pysanky (Easter eggs), and wear embroidered clothing with pride.
Parents understand that preserving cultural identity helps children remain connected to their roots while growing up in a new country.
Rather than choosing between being Ukrainian or French, many families are learning how to embrace both identities.
Children Growing Up Between Two Cultures
Children have often adapted to life in France faster than their parents.
Many learned French within months, made friends at school, and became comfortable navigating two languages every day.
For parents, this has been both rewarding and emotionally challenging.
Parents want their children to integrate successfully into French society while continuing to speak Ukrainian at home and remain connected to their family's history and culture.
I have also seen many inspiring examples among older children and young adults. One of them is the daughter of Nataliya (Profile 137). She had already completed her law degree in Ukraine before relocating to France. After arriving, she learned French remarkably quickly and completed practical training in French courts. This experience enabled her to obtain a French law diploma and continue her legal career in her new country.
Some families encourage bilingual education because they recognize that speaking both Ukrainian and French will provide lifelong opportunities.
Growing up between two cultures allows children to develop remarkable flexibility, empathy, and openness toward different perspectives.
Although many families still dream of visiting or eventually returning to a peaceful Ukraine, they also appreciate the education, safety, and opportunities their children have found in France.
What I Have Learned as a Matchmaker
Over the past four years, I have noticed another important change. Once women feel settled and emotionally secure, many become open to building a meaningful relationship again. Rather than using dating apps, they often prefer a professional introduction where intentions are clear from the very beginning.
After nearly twenty years as the founder and professional matchmaker of Mila Dating Agency, I have witnessed thousands of international love stories begin.
However, the women I have met since 2022 have taught me something even more profound.
War changes priorities.
Before the invasion, many women focused on building careers, buying homes, or planning future travel. Today, they speak much more often about peace, emotional security, family, and meaningful relationships.
Women who lost their homes have started successful businesses.
Women who arrived in France without speaking French are now working confidently alongside their French colleagues across a wide range of professions.
I would like to share another life experience of Tatyana (Profile 208). Before leaving Ukraine, she had already established a successful career in the beauty industry. Today, she works as a leading esthetician at a French aesthetic clinic, where her professionalism and expertise are highly valued by both colleagues and clients.
Stories like Tatyana's demonstrate that, with persistence and the right opportunities, Ukrainian professionals can successfully continue their careers while becoming an integral part of French society.
Single mothers who once feared for their children's future are now building stable, independent lives while continuing to support family members who remain in Ukraine.
One story that stands out is the story of Lyudmila (Profile 150). She arrived in France with her two children, uncertain about what the future would hold. Like many single mothers, she faced the enormous challenge of starting over in a new country while providing emotional and financial stability for her family. Today, she has created an independent life in France, and her children have successfully adapted to their new environment. They are completing their education and hope to build their own futures in France. Watching families like Lyudmila's regain confidence and create new opportunities is one of the most rewarding parts of my work.
These experiences have strengthened not weakened their character.
As a matchmaker, I also notice another important change.
One of the biggest changes I have noticed over the past four years is that Ukrainian women living in France approach relationships with much greater clarity. After overcoming the challenges of starting a new life, most are no longer interested in casual dating or endless online chats that never lead to a real meeting. They are looking for commitment, emotional security, and a partner who shares their vision of the future. This is why personalized matchmaking has become their preferred way to meet someone with genuine intentions.
Instead, they seek partners who value honesty, emotional maturity, loyalty, and shared life goals.
The women I work with are Ukrainian women seeking serious relationships. They hope to build stable families based on mutual respect rather than superficial attraction.
They are also Ukrainian women seeking marriage. Their experiences during the war have reminded them that life is unpredictable and that genuine companionship is one of life's greatest sources of strength.
This is one reason professional international matchmaking has become increasingly valuable.
Unlike dating apps, professional matchmaking allows people to meet individuals whose intentions have already been discussed openly.
At Mila Dating Agency, every profile is personally reviewed, interviewed, and verified. We work only with verified Ukrainian women in France and other verified Ukrainian women living across Europe and Ukraine.
Many of our clients have successfully started their new lives and are now emotionally ready to begin a new chapter with the right partner.
Since 2022, I have had the privilege of helping many French and Ukrainian couples begin their journeys together. Not every couple wishes to share their story publicly, and I fully respect their privacy. For many, finding love is something deeply personal.
Fortunately, some couples have been happy to let us tell their story in the hope that it will inspire others. Kevin and Alina are one such couple. Their beautiful French–Ukrainian love story is a wonderful reminder that even during the most difficult times, genuine love can find its way. You can read their story in the Love Stories section of our website.
Another couple very close to my heart is Gérard and Olga. Both admitted they were rather skeptical about whether they could still meet the right partner. Like many people, they had experienced disappointment and had almost given up hope. Currently, they are happily together, proving that meaningful relationships are possible when two people share the same values, sincerity, and commitment. Their story is also featured in our Love Stories section.
These couples remind me why I have dedicated nearly twenty years to international matchmaking. Behind every successful introduction is not simply a meeting, but the beginning of a new family and a new chapter in two people's lives.
Unlike online platforms where identities and intentions are often uncertain, our agency focuses on genuine compatibility, clear communication, and long-term success.
Our ladies are available for meetings in France, making it possible for international introductions to develop naturally into real-life meetings without long-distance uncertainty.
As a professional Ukrainian dating agency France has trusted for many years, our goal has never been simply introducing two people.
Our mission is helping two people build a lasting family.
Final Thoughts
The story of Ukrainian women in France is not only a story of displacement.
It is a story of courage, commitment and hope.
As someone who has worked with Ukrainian women for nearly twenty years, I have witnessed an extraordinary transformation. The women I meet today are stronger, more confident, and remarkably adaptable. They have overcome challenges that once seemed impossible, yet they continue to believe in family, genuine partnership, and a better future.
Their journeys remind us that successful integration is not about leaving one culture behind in order to embrace another. It is about building a new life while remaining true to who you are.
For me, this has been one of the most inspiring lessons of the past four years.
Looking to Meet Verified Ukrainian Women in France?
If you are hoping to create a serious international relationship with a Ukrainian woman living in France, professional matchmaking offers a safe, personal, and transparent alternative to dating apps.
At Mila Dating Agency, every introduction is based on compatibility, shared values, and genuine intentions. We personally interview and verify each member, helping sincere men meet verified Ukrainian women in France who are interested in committed relationships and marriage.
Many of our members have successfully settled in France and are now ready to begin a new chapter with the right partner.
If you would like to learn more about our international matchmaking services or arrange a personal consultation, we would be delighted to help you take the first step.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are there many Ukrainian women living in France today?
Yes. Since 2022, France has welcomed tens of thousands of Ukrainians under Temporary Protection. The Ukrainian women in France have found employment, learned French, and become active members of local communities while supporting Ukraine.
Can foreign men meet Ukrainian women living in France?
Yes. Those Ukrainian women who live in France are open to serious international relationships and prefer meeting through professional matchmaking services rather than dating apps.
Why choose a professional matchmaking agency instead of online dating?
A professional Matchmaking agency France offers verified profiles, personal interviews, compatibility assessments, and ongoing support throughout the introduction process, creating a safer and more meaningful experience.
Are Ukrainian women in France interested in marriage?
Many are. The women we work with are primarily Ukrainian women seeking serious relationships and Ukrainian women seeking marriage based on shared values, trust, and long-term commitment.
Can meetings take place in France?
Absolutely. Many of our members are Ukrainian women available for meetings in France, allowing international clients to arrange introductions and personal meetings in a comfortable European setting.
Author's Note
This article is based on my personal experience as the founder and matchmaker of Mila Dating Agency, combined with official data published by the French Ministry of the Interior, the European Commission, and UNHCR. The personal stories shared in this article are based on real clients of our agency and are published with their permission or in an anonymized form to protect their privacy.
The opinions and observations expressed throughout this article reflect my professional experience gained over nearly twenty years of international matchmaking.
Sources
The information presented in this article is based on official publications from the French government and international organizations.
- French Ministry of the Interior (Ministère de l'Intérieur) – Directorate-General for Foreigners in France (DGEF). Présence des Ukrainiens adultes ayant une autorisation de séjour en France (Presence of Ukrainian Adults Holding a Residence Permit in France). Available at:
- European Commission. Temporary Protection for People Fleeing Russia's War of Aggression Against Ukraine. Available at:
- UNHCR – The UN Refugee Agency. Ukraine Situation: Operational Data Portal. Available at:
