21,000 Ukrainians find jobs in Lithuania since war started

More than 21,000 Ukrainians, half of all working-age refugees, have found employment in Lithuania since the start of the war in Ukraine. And they pay about 5 million euros in taxes a month, the Social Security and Labor Ministry says.

Most Ukrainians work in manufacturing, construction, transport and warehousing, accommodation and catering, wholesale and retail, the statement reads.

"I admire the work ethic and strength of Ukrainians and their contribution to the Lithuanian economy. At the same time, I thank our employers who have provided jobs for Ukrainians who have fled the war," Minister Monika Navickiene was quoted as saying in the statement.

Ukrainians' salaries range from the minimum wage to almost 2,000 per month, depending on the nature of their work. On average, a Ukrainian earned around 1,048 euros before tax in November.

So far, around 71,500 Ukrainians have come to Lithuania, and the number includes children, elderly and working-age people.