DEMOGRAPHIC CRISIS IN UKRAINE

Photo: Getty Images

If Ukraine’s citizens do not trust the security guarantees of a peace deal, it could spell doom to Ukraine’s demographic future.

The current birth rate tells an even more concerning story. Ukraine now records less than one birth per woman, falling to less than half the rate needed to maintain the population.

For every three Ukrainians who pass away, only one new life begins.

Multiple factors drive this crisis:

• Millions of Ukrainians, primarily women and children, have fled to safer countries;

• At least 19,500 children have been illegally abducted by Russia from the occupied territories;

• The aging population (24.8% are over 60) creates additional strain on communities;

• Health deteriorates due to stress, trauma, and decreased access to medical care.

This demographic shift equals losing a city the size of Philadelphia every year. Without stability and safety in future, many displaced Ukrainians may not return home to rebuild their families and communities further hobbling the country, it’s culture, and it’s economy.

An Imperfect Peace Could Only Make The Demographic Problem Worse

The millions of 2022 refugees included largely mothers with children.  If a peace is agreed, but those mothers don’t trust the future security of Ukraine, they will not return:   why bring a child back if those children will only be forced to fight Russians again in 5-10 years?

And any politically acceptable peace would allow men to once again cross borders:  if those men don’t trust in the peace, many will leave simply to avoid future mobilization.   This could irreparably damage Ukraine’s armed forces, already hobbled by mobilization shortfalls.

UFF continues working to create conditions where families can plan their futures again. Through evacuations, supply deliveries, medical support and community rebuilding, we help create stability for Ukrainian families. Your support enables Ukraine to get closer to victory.

Together, we can help preserve Ukraine’s future generations.