Ukraine adopts long-term strategy to counter staggering population decrease

The strategy takes into account the challenges Ukraine faces amid the full-scale Russian invasion, as well as low birth rate, migration, premature mortality, and labor market imbalances.

The Institute of Demography and Quality of Life Problems of the National Academy of Sciences estimates the potential population decrease to 28.9 million by 2041 and to 25.2 million by 2051. However, the forecasting is complicated by the lack of necessary statistical data, particularly in the temporarily occupied territories.

As of December 2021, the population of Ukraine was 48.5 million people compared to an estimated 35.8 million in July 2024, with 31.1 million people living in the Kyiv-controlled territories.

“Ukraine needs a systematic strategic solution that will minimize demographic risks and mitigate threats, ensure a balanced long-term reproduction of the population, the necessary amount of human capital and the size of the workforce for martial law and post-war economic recovery and the formation of demographic sustainability,” the document said.

This follows an earlier announcement by Shmyhal on Sept. 10 about plans to establish a Ministry of Return of Ukrainians focusing on strategy and efforts to help the 7.5 million Ukrainians living abroad to return home.

On the same day, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said that some 10 million Ukrainians have been displaced as a result of the Russian aggression.