The Director of the Mykhailo Ptukha Institute of Demography and Social Studies of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, academician Ella Libanova, in an interview with the podcast "What’s up with the economy?" outlined the key demographic challenges facing Ukraine and possible scenarios for overcoming them.
According to the scientist, the demographic situation in the country remains tense, and its impact will determine economic development in the coming decades.
One of the main issues is the actual population size. According to scientists’ estimates, about 29-30 million people currently live in the territories controlled by Ukraine. At the same time, exact counts are currently impossible, so alternative data sources are used, including information from mobile operators and Big Data tools. A full population census, as Ella Libanova notes, will only be possible some time after the war ends.
The interview also pays special attention to migration processes. The scientist emphasizes that attracting foreign labor will become a necessary condition for the country’s recovery. This concerns workers for sectors with high physical demands, such as construction, as well as highly qualified specialists who may be interested in the opportunity for rapid professional realization in Ukraine.
At the same time, the structure of the labor market will also change. According to Ella Libanova, Ukrainians will gradually work longer. This will be driven not by administrative decisions but by the transformation of the economy – the growing role of intellectual labor and the automation of production processes. Under such conditions, the experience and knowledge of older people become an important resource.
Among regional trends, the scientist draws attention to the potential of Central Ukraine. Unlike the western regions, which have limited natural resources for large-scale expansion, it is the central regions that can play a leading role in post-war economic recovery.
Ella Libanova separately emphasizes the importance of education. In her opinion, a high level of education among the population is one of Ukraine’s key advantages, as it shapes society’s ability to adapt and respond effectively to modern challenges.
In conclusion, the scientist stresses the need to form a resilient economic model capable of withstanding crisis pressures and ensuring development even in difficult conditions.