Migration of Ukrainians in the period from 2022 to 2024 was significant, driven by war, economic hardship and the need for security. The demographic changes associated with displacement have a significant impact on social and economic aspects of life both inside and outside the country.

Population decline, low birth rates, premature mortality, an ageing nation, diseases, external and internal migration, and deportation are all factors that have contributed to the deepening demographic crisis in Ukraine since the outbreak of full-scale war. To stabilise the situation, the Ministry of Social Policy has developed a draft demographic strategy until 2040. It may be approved by the Cabinet of Ministers in the near future.

According to the Institute of Demography and Quality of Life Problems of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, as of the beginning of January 2022, Ukraine’s population was 42 million, including people living in the temporarily occupied territories. As of August 2023, this figure had fallen to 36.3 million, of whom 31.5 million lived in the government-controlled areas.

Currently, 6.7 million Ukrainians are war refugees, according to the UN Refugee Agency. According to the organisation, most of them have found refuge in European countries. Of these, 2.2 million are in Belarus or Russia. There is no information on whether they left voluntarily or were deported.

According to the Centre for Economic Strategy, as of January this year, taking into account various scenarios for the end of the war, 26.2% of refugees plan to return home, and the same number are planning to return soon. And 7.3% of Ukrainians do not plan to return, and 15.8% rather do not plan to return.

Daria Marchak, First Deputy Minister of Social Policy, notes that the draft demographic strategy has already passed various stages of discussion. The next step is the approval of the document by the Cabinet of Ministers, which may take place in September. This document will be annexed to detailed measures and specific actions on how the country plans to increase birth rates and population, return people home, and combat labour market shortages.
In the host countries, Ukrainian NGOs are being established or activated to provide assistance to refugees and organise cultural and social events.

Ukrainians maintain their cultural and religious traditions through local churches, cultural centres and clubs. Social media and online communities also play an important role in keeping Ukrainians connected, helping them share information and experiences.

Strong support from the diaspora and civil society organisations has helped Ukrainians successfully adapt and preserve their identity.

Ukrainians continue to stick together and support each other even in foreign lands, which helps them cope with the challenges of migration and preserve their culture and traditions.