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The Russian war of aggression in Ukraine forced millions of people to flee the ongoing violence to neighbouring countries such as Poland, Russia, Hungary and Germany. The EU invoked the so-called "Temporary Protection Directive" for the first time in its history. According to this directive, Ukrainian refugees received a residence permit and uncomplicated access to work and social benefits in all European states without having to apply. However, for refugees without Ukrainian citizenship, especially people of colour, Black people and Rom*nja, the situation at the borders and during reception was difficult. In the first days of the war, numerous cases of racial discrimination were documented. For most, the stay is precarious and access to support structures is difficult. Groups such as "BPOC Ukraine & Friends" and "Communities Support for BiPoC Refugees Ukraine" do important support work. The example of the "Temporary Protection Directive" illustrates what a pragmatic and humanitarian European asylum policy can look like.