Four years after the onset of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the war has left not only ruined cities and hundreds of thousands of dead but also a profound demographic footprint. In Ukraine, insecurity, the loss of partners at the front, family separations, and mass migration appear to discourage or prevent thousands of women from having children. In Russia, despite repeated calls from the Kremlin and President Vladimir Putin for larger families, birth rates continue to decline.

According to revealing figures from CNBC, the fertility rate in Ukraine was at 1.22 children per woman in 2021. By 2025, it has dropped to 1.00 based on United Nations data. The country's First Lady, Olena Zelenska, revealed in December that the rate has fallen even lower, to about 0.8-0.9 children per woman, describing it as a 'critical decline.' This alarming drop is indicative of a broader trend of demographic crisis that could have long-term implications for both nations.

As both countries face significant population challenges, this demographic crisis raises concerns regarding the future stability and workforce sustainability in the regions affected by the war. With many families being pulled apart and a reduced birth rate, the long-term impact on societal structures and economies in Ukraine and Russia may be devastating. The ongoing conflict not only alters the landscape of these nations but reshapes their demographic profiles as women face unprecedented pressures in a time of war.