Ukraine is facing a worsening demographic crisis, with nearly three times as many deaths as births.

The demographic crisis is intensifying in Ukraine: nearly three times more people are dying than being born.

In the first half of 2024, Ukraine witnessed a sharp increase in mortality, which is 2.8 times higher than the birth rate.

This was reported in an interview with TSN.ua by Alexander Gladun, Deputy Director for Research at the Institute of Demography and Social Studies of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine.

For comparison, he provided data from previous years: in 2019, there were 188 deaths for every 100 births in Ukraine, and in 2021, which was marked by high mortality, there were 263 deaths for every 100 births.

“In 2022, there were also 263 deaths per 100 births, and in 2023, it was 265 deaths per 100 births. The levels were approximately the same. However, in the first half of 2024, there were already 286 deaths per 100 births. This is a significant increase,” - said the demographer.

Although there are no final data for the entire year of 2024 yet, Alexander Gladun describes the situation as alarming.

“To prevent a population decline due to natural factors, there needs to be a balance where 100 births correspond to 100 deaths; otherwise, the population will continue to decrease. Currently, the mortality rate is 2.8 times higher,” - he noted.

According to him, compared to 2022 and 2023, Ukraine has experienced an increase in the number of deaths and a decline in the birth rate, which can be explained by the likelihood that Ukrainians have decided to postpone having children until the war is over.

The rise in mortality in this context indicates that fierce fighting continues on the front lines, with people dying during enemy airstrikes. Additionally, constant stress, the inability to receive timely medical care, and the exacerbation of chronic and psychological illnesses significantly affect citizens' health. Unfortunately, such a situation is typical during wartime in any country,” – emphasized Alexander Gladun.