In Ukraine, there is a dangerous ratio between the number of births and deaths. For every 100 births, there are 286 deaths - a poor outcome.
This assessment was provided by Alexander Gladun, the deputy director for scientific work at the Institute of Demography and Social Quality Problems, during a broadcast on Ukrainian Radio. However, he stated that it is very difficult to expect anything better during a war.
"The situation is serious, but not hopeless. Measures need to be taken, although it is very challenging to do so during a war. After the war, there should be a very active demographic policy," the specialist asserted.
He noted that Ukraine is experiencing a demographic crisis, but it did not start now. "The population decline has been occurring since 1993. Only the pace of this decline varies. High mortality is linked to the war. To prevent a reduction in the country's population due to natural factors, 100 women must give birth to 210-220 children. During the war, 100 women are giving birth to 90 children. This is insufficient," Gladun explained the situation.
The specialist pointed out that Ukraine has developed a demographic development strategy, but it is more focused on migration processes than on birth and death rates. "After the war, conditions must be created to increase birth rates and implement reproductive intentions that exist among the population. Before the full-scale invasion, Ukrainian families aimed for two children. Now we see that a one-child family model is at work," the demographer said.
Additionally, as Gladun noted, there should be a policy aimed at increasing life expectancy. "This is our resource. People are living longer, which raises the retirement age... The question is how the country adapts to the aging population. Involving elderly people in certain jobs does not necessarily mean 8-hour shifts. After the war, there will be many people with disabilities. We also need to prepare social infrastructure for them, and businesses should be inclined to employ these individuals," the demographer stated.
On December 4, Ombudsman Dmitry Lubinets mentioned that the population of Ukraine will decrease this year to 35.8 million from 42 million in 2022, and by 2051 it may further shrink to 25.2 million.
On December 23, Ella Libanova, director of the Institute of Demography and Social Studies named after Ptukh, told CNN that every additional month of war means demographic losses for Ukraine. And this is not just about those who have died, but about millions who will not return from abroad.
