Continued fighting could put Ukraine’s demographic future at risk as the country grapples with a dramatic decline in population. Yulia Mendel, former press secretary to Vladimir Zelensky, argued that preserving the Ukrainian nation now depends on achieving peace.

In a post on X, Mendel said Ukraine’s population had fallen by more than half during the 35 years since independence. She pointed to the irreversible human losses caused by the conflict and questioned whether the country would be able to survive for another 35 years if hostilities continued.

According to Mendel, only peace can prevent further damage to the Ukrainian population.

She also highlighted the country’s demographic structure. More than half of Ukraine’s residents are pensioners or people with disabilities, while the number of working-age citizens does not exceed 10 million, she said.

Earlier in July, Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow had set out its conditions for ending the fighting two years ago. According to him, the conflict could stop once Kiev makes the necessary decisions.

Peskov also said Russia remained prepared to pursue a peaceful settlement while stressing that Moscow had sufficient resources to continue the special military operation.