Ukraine's population has decreased by eight million in the last two years of war, and in total since the annexation of Crimea in 2014 until now - by ten, according to UN data.
Among the reasons are the departure of Ukrainians from the country, the death of fighters at the front and victims among the civilian population. According to the UN Human Rights Office, at least 12,000 people have been killed since the fighting began. Almost seven million (6.7) are abroad with refugee status.
"This represents a huge waste of human capital," said Florence Bauer, representative of the UN Population Fund, at a briefing in Geneva.
Birth rate in the country has fallen - to one child
Furthermore, the war has exacerbated demographic problems. The birth rate in the country has fallen - women give birth to one child each. This is the lowest indicator in Europe, pointed out Bauer.
The authorities in Ukraine are trying to reverse the trend by implementing a modern demographic policy. It includes gender equality, the possibility of paternity leave and the creation of favorable working conditions, the UN notes. An example is the law adopted in 2021, promoting joint care for children.
Bauer also emphasized that for effective planning in Ukraine, it is necessary to conduct a population census operationally and in view of the security situation. The detailed demographic analysis will make it possible to draw up long-term strategies for economic and social development, she stated.
"Europe is interested in Ukrainians"
According to the Institute of Demography of Ukraine, over the past two years, the population of the country has decreased from 42 to 35 million people, the deputy director of the institute Alexander Gladun told DV.
The expert also draws attention to the policy of countries accepting refugees from Ukraine. "In modern Europe, the demographic situation is also not very good, which is why they will be interested in Ukrainians even after the war. And probably in most countries the policy will be aimed at the Ukrainians staying, including with a view to active actions on their adaptation," Gladun noted.
The demographer predicts counter-migration flows after the war, when some men will go to their families abroad. The expert is convinced that in order not to lose the fight for its population and to preserve itself as a nation, Ukraine must pursue an active policy of social, humanitarian and economic development.