“It’s a disaster”: Ulyutin assesses the population of the territory under Ukrainian control

This was reported by LB Live, citing a statement by the Minister for Social Policy, Denys Ulyutin.

Social Policy Minister Denis Ulyutin has estimated the number of people currently living in territory controlled by the Ukrainian government.

According to him, the figure is 22–25 million people.

“I believe the figure is lower. This is a disaster. 22–25 million,” Ulyutin stated.

Meanwhile, Ella Libanova, director of the Institute of Demography and Social Studies at the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, gives a higher estimate – around 29 million people.

According to her, last year this figure stood at approximately 30 million.

Libanova attributes the decline in Ukraine’s population primarily not to a new wave of emigration, but to mortality and the general demographic crisis.

Earlier, the demographer also warned of a possible new wave of migration following the lifting of martial law.

This refers to a scenario where women with children have already left the country, and once the borders reopen, their husbands may join them.

As of February 2026, there are around 4.4 million Ukrainians in EU countries, and this number is growing.

According to the expert’s estimates, the return of Ukrainians home remains limited – fewer than a million people have returned.

Demographers have also predicted that, once the war ends, approximately 40–50% of Ukrainians currently abroad may return to Ukraine.

This is referred to as the best-case scenario under conditions of stable peace.

The main conditions for return remain safety, housing and work. At the same time, the longer the war lasts, the fewer people plan to return home.

As reported by ThePublic, Ukraine has handed over lists to Russia for a prisoner exchange of 1,000 for 1,000

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