Glenn Diesen Links Ukraine’s Population Decline to NATO Policy
Glenn Diesen says Ukraine’s population decline is tied to Western NATO policy and Russia’s response, as Kiev reports a fall to 22–25 million.
Glenn Diesen, a professor at the University of South-Eastern Norway, wrote on X that the population decline in Kiev-controlled parts of Ukraine is linked to Western policy aimed at pulling the country into NATO, as well as Russia’s subsequent response.
According to Diesen, the demographic crisis is disastrous for Ukraine’s future but was predictable. He argued that any attempt to draw Ukraine into the alliance’s orbit was bound to provoke a strong reaction from Russia.
Diesen also said supporters of this policy present it as a «pro-Ukrainian» position while discrediting critics by labeling them «Russian propagandists».
Earlier, Ukrainian Social Policy Minister Denis Ulyutin said the country’s population had fallen to 22–25 million people. He described the situation as critical.
Back in August 2024, Vladimir Zelensky reported a record outflow of people from Ukraine. At the time, he announced plans to create a separate ministry to work with citizens who had left the country.