Ukraine’s demographic crisis is deepening; experts advise repatriating refugees for recovery labor.

According to Deputy Minister of Social Policy Daria Marchak, Ukraine is currently experiencing a record low number of children born per woman. Currently, the fertility rate is 0.9, while the international benchmark for maintaining a stable population is 2.2 children per woman of childbearing age.

As Marchak noted, the low fertility rate and the war-related mass migration have resulted in elderly individuals remaining in Ukraine’s controlled territory, causing the country’s population to age rapidly. In just the last few years, the average age of Ukrainians has increased from 41 to 45. Marchak emphasized that the current ratio of pensioners to people of working age is 1:1.

Meanwhile, Ukraine will need labor resources for its post-war recovery. According to experts, the government should first focus on bringing Ukrainians home from abroad and only then consider attracting migrant labor from other countries.