DEMOGRAPHIC POLICY OF REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT: CHALLENGES OF SPATIAL INEQUALITY AND POST-WAR RECOVERY

Abstract

The article examines the key challenges, determinants, and prospects for shaping an effective demographic policy for Ukraine’s regional development in the context of post-war recovery. It demonstrates that the demographic crisis, intensified by the full-scale invasion, large-scale forced and economic migration, and the destruction of critical infrastructure, has significantly deepened spatial inequalities across regions. The loss of labour potential, distortions in age structure, uneven distribution of internally displaced persons, and depopulation of certain territories create long-term risks for the country’s socio-economic resilience. Using official data from the World Bank, UNDP, IOM, and recent analytical reports, the study assesses the scale of demographic losses, shifts in population composition, and emerging regional imbalances.

The article argues that modern demographic policy must be grounded in the principles of territorial differentiation, integrated human capital management, and comprehensive consideration of economic, social, and cultural factors. Particular attention is given to the role of decentralization in enabling region-specific demographic recovery programmes, as well as to the growing importance of digitalisation, including demographic registers, GIS technologies, and big data analytics, for effective monitoring and forecasting of demographic dynamics. The proposed directions for improving public administration include integrated demographic data systems, support for local demographic initiatives, enhanced interagency coordination, and governance approaches centred on the development and preservation of human potential.

The paper concludes that, in the post-war context, demographic policy must shift from declarative strategic intentions to practical implementation, ensuring spatial equity, social stability, and balanced regional development in Ukraine.