Ukraine has lost 6 million people: is the country facing a demographic collapse?.

According to ТСН: Ukraine is experiencing a serious demographic crisis that could have catastrophic consequences. The war has resulted in thousands of casualties, millions of refugees, and a significant decline in birth rates, creating a critical situation for the country's recovery.

Statistics show that Ukraine's population, which was 42 million before the war, has decreased to less than 36 million.

Impact of the crisis on the medical field

The demographic crisis is felt even in regions that are not directly close to the front. For example, in the maternity ward of the hospital in the city of Hoshcha (Rivne region), only 139 births have been recorded since the beginning of the year, which is half of what it was in previous years.

“In the neighboring village of Sadove, the school had to be closed because there were only nine students left,” said the head of the Hoshcha City Council Mykola Panchuk.

According to forecasts by the CIA World Factbook, Ukraine has the highest mortality rates and the lowest birth rates in the world: for every three deaths, there is one birth.

“The death of young people, who essentially were meant to replenish Ukraine's gene pool, is one of the most painful problems,” comments gynecologist Yevhen Hekkel.

Population forecasts

The situation regarding the population is becoming increasingly alarming. According to the Demography Institute of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, the population of Ukraine is currently less than 36 million, including occupied territories. If current trends continue, this number could drop to 25 million by 2051.

Need for workforce support

The average life expectancy for men has decreased from 65.2 to 57.3 years, while for women – from 74.4 to 70.9 years. Experts note that millions of people will be needed for the successful recovery of the economy and to ensure the country's defense capability.

The Kyiv government has developed a demographic strategy up to 2040, which predicts a potential shortage of 4.5 million workers in key sectors such as construction, technology, and administrative services.

This strategy aims to prevent further emigration, bring back Ukrainians from abroad by improving living conditions, infrastructure, and education, as well as attracting immigrants. Authorities believe that these measures could increase the population to 34 million by 2040. However, it is emphasized that without changes in demographic development rates, the population could decrease to 29 million.

Thus, the demographic situation in Ukraine requires urgent action. The speed and effectiveness of implementing the proposed strategy will determine not only the future of the population but also the resilience of the economy and the defense capability of the state as a whole.