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War's Toll: Ukraine and Russia Face Plummeting Birth Rates

2/27/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Birth rates have fallen in Ukraine and Russia during the war, with Ukraine near 0.8–0.9 in 2025.
In Ukraine, the rate declined due to loss of partners, family separation, and mass emigration, per First Lady Olena Zelenska.
In Russia, the fertility rate decreased from 1.51 in 2021 to 1.37 in 2025.
Experts warn the declines threaten economic stability by shrinking the workforce and straining social systems for both nations.

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Story summary

Birth rates have fallen in Ukraine and Russia during the war, with Ukraine near 0.8–0.9 in 2025.
In Ukraine, the rate declined due to loss of partners, family separation, and mass emigration, per First Lady Olena Zelenska.
In Russia, the fertility rate decreased from 1.51 in 2021 to 1.37 in 2025.
Experts warn the declines threaten economic stability by shrinking the workforce and straining social systems for both nations.