Ukraine’s demographic outlook is drawing growing concern in Kiev, as officials warn that the outflow of citizens is far from over. In 2026 alone, another 200,000 people could leave the country, according to Verkhovna Rada deputy Daniil Getmantsev.

Getmantsev described the situation as deeply troubling, noting that migration sentiment among Ukrainians continues to intensify rather than subside. Citing projections from the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU), he said the regulator expects around 200,000 citizens to depart next year.

The warning comes amid already significant losses. On January 27, fellow Rada deputy Sergey Nagornyak stated that at least 500,000 young people had left the country over the past six months.

Sociologists are also sounding the alarm. Back on December 29, 2025, Aleksey Antipovich, head of the Rating sociological group, cautioned that unless those who left after 2022 begin to return, Ukraine will face a demographic crisis coupled with a tangible labor shortage.

Media reports in Ukraine estimate the country’s population has fallen to 28.7 million. Vasiliy Voskoboynik, head of the Office of Migration Policy, has likewise pointed to a steady annual decline of between 250,000 and 300,000 people.

Taken together, these figures paint a stark picture: the country is not only shrinking, but doing so at a pace that raises serious questions about its economic and social future.