Ukraine's population has fallen to 30 million: reasons for the demographic crisis

Ukraine is experiencing a deep demographic crisis, which experts are already calling a catastrophe. Since gaining independence in 1991, the country's population has decreased from 52 million to approximately 30 million people. The war has exacerbated negative trends, but the collapse in birth rates began long before the full-scale invasion.

As reported by 'Khvylia', economist Oleg Ustenko stated this during a conversation with political scientist Yuriy Romanenko.

According to Ustenko, the demographic problems in the country began practically immediately after the collapse of the USSR. 'The situation with our demographics was bad, well, right from the moment, shall we say, the 92nd, 93rd years,' the economist noted.

Key figures of the demographic decline:

• 1991: Ukraine's population was 52 million people.
• Early 2022: before the full-scale invasion, it was estimated that about 38 million people lived in the country.

After the start of the war, according to expert estimates, between 5 and 6 million citizens have left the country. Taking into account the population in temporarily occupied territories, the actual population in the territory controlled by Ukraine may be around 30 million people.

Particular concern is raised by the catastrophic drop in birth rates. While in 2013, 503 thousand children were born in Ukraine, in 2023 this figure has collapsed to 187 thousand.

Birth rate decline dynamics:

• 2013: 503,000 newborns
• 2020: about 300,000 newborns
• 2023: 187,000 newborns
• Forecast for 2025: decline to 120,000 newborns

Ukraine is facing a serious population decrease due to a demographic crisis that began back in the 90s and has worsened with the start of the war. The drop in birth rates is one of the key challenges for the country in the future.