A country of widows and orphans: Ukraine’s birth rate has fallen to catastrophic levels
23 February 13:11
The birth rate in Ukraine has fallen sharply—the country is experiencing one of the most serious demographic crises in the world. The decline in the birth rate has intensified since the start of the full-scale war.
This was reported by "Komersant Ukrainian" with reference to CNN.
Experts are already calling the demographic situation in Ukraine almost unprecedented.
According to estimates by leading demographers, the birth rate has fallen below the critical mark: on average, a woman gives birth to less than one child in her lifetime, which is significantly lower than the average rates in Europe and the US.
Experts note that the demographic situation has worsened for several reasons:
- war and losses on the front lines — a significant portion of those killed were married and had children, leading to an increase in the number of widows and orphans;
- mass exodus of young people – about 6 million citizens, including young women and children, have left the country and have not yet returned;
- family breakdown and uncertainty about the future—because of the war, many Ukrainians are postponing decisions about having children.
Ella Libanova, a demographer at the Institute for Demography and Social Studies, called the current situation catastrophic, stressing that the shortage of people makes the country’s long-term development extremely difficult.
Consequences for society
Due to the decline in birth rates and the protracted war in Ukraine, the number of children living without their biological parents is increasing significantly. According to statistics, there are currently about 59,000 children in the country who are in foster families without their biological parents.
At the same time, some Ukrainian families continue to have and raise children in the country, reflecting their desire for a normal life even in wartime.
What experts say
According to the latest data, many demographic indicators — including natural population growth and migration — show alarming trends. Even before the war, the birth rate in Ukraine was declining, but the war with Russia has significantly accelerated these processes.
Experts believe that comprehensive social and economic measures aimed at supporting families, returning refugees, and creating conditions for population recovery are necessary to stabilize the situation.
