Birth rate in Ukraine drops to a critical level
The population of Ukraine is decreasing. Photo: open sources
In 2023, only 187,387 children were born, according to the Ministry of Justice. The highest number of children born in 2023 was in Kyiv – 19,979, in Lviv region – 16,638, Dnipropetrovsk – 14,433, Odesa – 13,736, and Kyiv region – 10,820.
The figure of 187,000 became a record low for the entire existence of Ukraine. As indicated by the infographic of the "Slovo i Dilo" analytical portal, in the first year of Ukraine's independence, 630.8 thousand children were born. Then it declined to 376,000 in 2001. However, after that, the birth rate increased until reaching a record 520.7 thousand in 2012. After the Euromaidan, the numbers steadily declined. In 2021, 227,000 were born, while in 2022 – 209,000.
Earlier, the UOJ reported that, according to the Institute of Demography, Ukraine is on the verge of a shift in the ethnic composition of the nation.
Read also
Italian media: Ukrainian authorities persecute the country’s largest confession
The Italian outlet L’Identità reported on mass searches, the arrests of clergy, and the ban on the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which it describes as the largest Church in Ukraine.
Festival marking Orthodox Youth Day held in UOC's Volyn Eparchy
In Lutsk, the UOC’s annual youth forum brought together parish groups, clergy, and participants in a creative program for Orthodox Youth Day.
London mayor switches on festive Ramadan lights
In London, the Muslim mayor inaugurated Ramadan illuminations: a central street was decorated with a “Happy Ramadan” sign and Islamic-style ornaments.
DESS: Ramadan is a time of special closeness to the Almighty
DESS congratulated Ukraine’s Muslims on the beginning of Ramadan.
Jehovah’s witness pastor sentenced in Lviv region for refusing TRC service
A court in Lviv region sentenced a Jehovah’s Witness pastor to five years in prison for unauthorized absence from his unit and for refusing to serve as a TRC cook.
Orthodox Church in America raises $700,000 for Ukrainians in Poland
An OCA representative met with Metropolitan Sava and discussed humanitarian support for Ukrainian refugees in Poland.