Expert Popenko responds to USAID's statement about the labor market catastrophe in Ukraine.

By 2030, the shortage of new workers in Ukraine may reach 5 to 10 million, reported USAID Mission Director in Ukraine Theodora Dell during the IX "Conductors of Change" forum. She stressed that this is one of the most critical challenges for the country's economy. Currently, the employment rate in Ukraine is 52%, while in Europe it is 76%. If these figures are equalized, about 4.8 million new workers will appear on the market. The USAID Mission Director also pointed out the necessity for women to master "male professions," but without adequate informational preparation, this might be difficult.

According to the president of the National University "Kyiv-Mohyla Academy" Serhiy Kvit, systemic reforms in the education sector can contribute to improving the training of specialists and increasing human capital in the country.

A study conducted by Deloitte Ukraine and Gradus Research shows that professional retraining of various population groups may be one way to solve the problem. Young women, as well as residents of western and northern regions of the country and the capital, show particular interest in retraining.

Energy and housing and utilities expert Oleh Popenko believes this analysis to be positive, as the problem could be even worse. He noted that after the war ends, the remaining workers who can and want to work might leave Ukraine.