GENEVA, Switzerland – The ongoing war in Ukraine has significantly worsened the country's demographic challenges, leading to a dramatic population decline and a loss of human capital, UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, said today. Since the conflict began in 2014, Ukraine's population has declined by an estimated 10 million people, with 8 million of those losses occurring since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022.

The war has exacerbated pre-existing demographic trends, including low birth rates, emigration, and an ageing population, said Florence Bauer, UNFPA Regional Director for Eastern Europe and Central Asia at a press briefing in Geneva today. The birth rate in Ukraine has plummeted to one of the lowest in the world, with only 1 child per woman. Millions have been displaced, both internally and externally as refugees, leaving some regions depopulated.

To address these challenges, the Ukrainian Government, with support from UNFPA, has adopted a National Demographic Strategy focused on building human capital. This strategy prioritizes addressing socio-economic factors such as access to caregiving, health, education and creating opportunities for young people and families.

UNFPA emphasized the need for inclusive policies that promote gender equality, parental leave for fathers, and family-friendly work arrangements to create an environment where people feel confident about having children.

A population census, once security allows, is also crucial for planning Ukraine's recovery and guiding long-term development strategies. The last census was conducted in 2001, highlighting the need for updated demographic data.

"While the return of peace to Ukraine is paramount, much can be done now to strengthen Ukraine's human capital and build the foundations for the country's demographic recovery," Bauer said.