The Impact of the Demographic Crisis on the Development of Labor Resources in Ukraine During the War

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to analyze the impact of the demographic crisis on the development of Ukraine’s labor resources during wartime. The article provides a comprehensive analysis of the key factors influencing labor resource development under the conditions of a full-scale war. It emphasizes that the Russian armed aggression has become a powerful catalyst for labor market transformation, leading to massive human losses, infrastructure destruction, internal and external migration, and a significant decline in birth rates. Particular attention is given to both the qualitative and quantitative changes in the structure of the labor force, including the aging of the population, loss of qualifications, a decrease in the working-age population especially among men and territorial disparities in labor supply. The study examines the war’s impact on unemployment, employment rates, the functioning of employment services, the growth of self-employment, and the adaptation of the business environment to crisis conditions. The author proposes viewing the demographic crisis not only as a threat but also as an incentive for modernizing labor relations, developing flexible employment policies, and supporting human capital. The shift in professional orientations among Ukrainians has been analyzed, revealing a growing interest in self-employment, digital, and public sector professions, accompanied by a decline in interest toward socially significant fields such as healthcare, education, and military service. It has been established that ensuring a sufficient labor supply for the economy is a critical challenge for the state, particularly in the context of post-war recovery. Promising directions for further research include the development of regional equalization policies, the enhancement of the social status of shortage occupations, the improvement of the vocational education system, the stimulation of labor migrants’ return, and the strengthening of the institutional environment for micro-entrepreneurship.