Ukraine: Population down by 10 million since Russia invaded in 2014, UNFPA reports
Since Russia’s invasion in 2014, Florence Bauer said, the ongoing war has worsened this trend, with millions displaced and thousands killed. UNFPA The regional director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia told journalists at a briefing in Geneva.
The number of Ukrainian refugees has now reached 6.7 million and since the Russian invasion in 2014, Ukraine’s population has decreased by more than 10 million peopleThere is a significant loss of human resources needed for the country’s recovery, she added.
Ukraine is facing major demographic challenges and has seen them The birth rate plummeted to one child per woman, the lowest in Europe.
Ukraine’s demographic crisis
Even before the war escalated, Ukraine was grappling with significant demographic challenges, the United Nations agency said.
The country already has the lowest birth rate in Europe, its population is getting older and a large number of people have left the country to seek opportunities elsewhere.
In response, Ukraine, with UNFPA support, developed national demographic strategy focus on human capital instead of just trying to increase birth rates.
The path to recovery depends on peace
The Government recognizes that solutions need to address broader socio-economic factors, including access to care, health and education, and creating opportunities for young people and families.
Drawing from the experience of countries such as Sweden, this strategy emphasizes gender equality, family-friendly work environments and comprehensive economic and social policies that are conducive to building family.
Ms. Bauer emphasized that Ukraine’s path toward demographic sustainability depends on whether peace returns to Ukraine. However, she said there is more that can be done to build the foundation for the country’s demographic recovery.
