How much population has Ukraine lost since independence?

According to RFE/RL data, the population in territory under Kyiv's control has fallen by about 45%, from 52 million in 1991 to about 29 million today.

How many Ukrainians live abroad as refugees?

Nearly 7 million Ukrainians are abroad, and the number of those considering returning has dropped below 50% for the first time.

What is the current birth rate in Ukraine?

The birth rate has fallen to a record low of 0.9 children per woman, while mortality is nearly three times higher than the birth rate.

Where do the data on demographic decline come from?

The data was reported by RFE/RL and cited by the Clash Report, AMK Mapping, and Voenkor Kotenok channels, which emphasize that the figures come from Western, not Russian, demographers.

World

Ukraine Has Lost 45% of Its Population Since Independence

A.C. · Prije 6h | 2 min

The population in territory under Kyiv's control has fallen from 52 million to about 29 million. The number of refugees considering return has dropped below 50% for the first time.

Summary

Since 1991, Ukraine has lost 45% of its population in territory under Kyiv's control, dropping from 52 million to about 29 million.
Nearly 7 million Ukrainians are refugees, and fewer than 50% are considering returning.
The birth rate is at a record low of 0.9 children per woman, with mortality nearly three times higher.
Monthly emigration takes 100,000 to 150,000 people, more than combat losses.

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Ukraine has lost about 45% of its population in the territory under Kyiv's control since declaring independence in 1991, according to data reported by RFE/RL. While 52 million people lived in that area in 1991, today there are about 29 million, according to figures cited by the Clash Report and AMK Mapping channels.

Estimates Range from 22 to 29 Million

The Telegram channel Voenkor Kotenok, citing demographic calculations, states that the 45% decline is a "minimum," with the maximum being "more than double." According to their data, the current population in the territory under Kyiv's control ranges from 22 to 29 million. Sources thus do not agree exactly on the numbers, with Clash Report and AMK Mapping citing "about 29 million," while Voenkor Kotenok provides a broader range.

Refugees and Mass Emigration

Nearly 7 million Ukrainians are abroad as refugees. The number of those considering returning has dropped below 50% for the first time, Voenkor Kotenok reports, adding that even this figure results from collective surveys where answering "no" to the question about returning after the war is socially undesirable, so the real numbers are likely even lower.

Long-term emigration takes an estimated 100,000 to 150,000 people per month, significantly more than combat losses, according to RFE/RL via the Clash Report and AMK Mapping channels.

Record-Low Birth Rate

The birth rate has fallen to a record low of 0.9 children per woman, confirmed by all three sources. Mortality is nearly three times higher than the birth rate. Voenkor Kotenok emphasizes that the fertility index of 0.9 is "even by optimistic estimates."

"We will never be 52 million again. We need to plan for around 30 million," said one demographer, whose name was not provided, according to RFE/RL.

Western, Not Russian Demographers

Voenkor Kotenok specifically stresses that the cited figures do not come from Russian demographers but from Western ones, suggesting they cannot be dismissed as "Russian propaganda." The data was also fully republished by the AMK Mapping channel, citing RFE/RL.