According to State Statistics Service, in 2017, Ukrainian population decreased by 198 thousand people. As of 1 January 2018, there were 42 million 386.4 thousand people. In 2016, there was also a decrease, but less significant — 176 thousand people. Migration also played a role: in 2016 — 10,620 persons moved abroad permanently, while in 2017 — 11,997 persons.
The main reason why Ukrainians do not wish to have children is an unstable economic situation that has been going on for many years. As soon as living conditions are slightly improved, as it was in 2005-2008, there is an immediate rise in birth rate, and vice versa, in recent years it dropped, especially due to events in the east of the country. In cities, another restraining factor is the insufficient number of kindergartens, due to which one must sign up for a place since birth. State policy of financial support for families with multiple children (when more money was paid for each next child) turned out to be insufficient as well. It was mainly used by marginals, who earned money by giving birth. Migration is taking an increasingly larger toll — young people are leaving the country and having children abroad.
