Ukraine's population had shrunk to 28.5 million by mid-2026

As of the middle of 2026, Ukraine had a population of 28.5 million – half a million less than the figure announced in July.

Source: Ella Libanova, Director of the Ptukha Institute for Demography and Quality of Life Studies at the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, during the 10th Ukrainian Women's Congress, as reported by Ukrinform

Quote from Libanova: "Just a few days ago, we completed our assessment of the mid-year population figures – 28.5 million. We have lost half a million. This is not so much due to deaths as because people are leaving."

Details: Migration, both internal and external, remains the main driver of demographic change in Ukraine. Libanova believes that a new wave of migration should be expected after the war ends, when men are likely to leave to join their families living abroad.

Quote: "In terms of migration, I am not [so much] concerned about what is happening now as about what will happen after martial law is lifted: when men are able to leave, when they return from the front."

Details: Libanova suggested that it is likely Ukraine will not be able to offer them a job and salary that they would consider decent.

Quote: "Then the question will be: where will Ukrainian families reunite – in Ukraine or abroad? I'm very much afraid that there will be a second wave of what you might call 'male' migration. This is highly likely."

Background: In July 2026, the State Statistics Service and the Institute of Demography jointly estimated the population of Ukrainian-controlled territory at 29 million people. The estimate was based on data from mobile operators and state registers.

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