Ukraine's population falls to 28.5 million, according to Institute of Demography

Ella Libanova, director of the Institute of Demography and Quality of Life Research, made this statement during the 10th Ukrainian Women’s Congress, according to a Ukrinform correspondent. “Just a few days ago, we completed our assessment of the population as of mid-year (2026)—28.5 million. We’ve lost half a million people. This is not so much due to deaths as it is due to emigration,” Libanova said. According to the researcher, migration—both internal and external—remains the main factor driving demographic dynamics at present. At the same time, Libanova believes that after martial law is lifted, Ukraine may face a new wave of migration, particularly as men return to their families abroad.