Here’s a breakdown of Ukraine’s population figures, based on the latest available data and estimates:

• Approximately 52,056,600 (Source: State Statistics Service of Ukraine). This was shortly after independence, still close to the peak population.

• The State Statistics Service of Ukraine estimated the population within government-controlled territory to be around 31.1 million as of January 1, 2024. This figure is an estimate as a census hasn’t been conducted since 2001.

• Pre-War Population (Jan 2022): ~37.2 million (including all oblasts, pre-invasion).
• Occupied Territories: Crimea (annexed 2014), and parts of Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, Luhansk, and Donetsk oblasts (occupied since 2022). The pre-war population of these areas was roughly 8.4 – 8.5 million.
• Refugees Abroad: According to the UNHCR, there were approximately 6.5 million Ukrainian refugees recorded globally as of June 2024. Not all refugees originate from occupied areas; many fled from government-controlled regions.
• Estimated Current Population Within Government-Controlled Ukraine: This is the figure provided by the State Statistics Service: ~31.1 million (Jan 2024). This figure already accounts for:
• The loss of population in the occupied territories (as they are no longer counted).
• The departure of refugees from government-controlled areas.
• Natural population change (births/deaths) and internal displacement (IDPs).
• Population Physically Present in Gov’t Controlled Ukraine: To estimate the number of people physically present in government-controlled Ukraine, you subtract the refugees who fled from those government-controlled areas from the official estimate. However, precise figures on refugee origin within Ukraine are difficult. A common approach is:
• Start with Pre-War Gov’t Controlled Pop: ~37.2 million – ~8.4 million (occupied) = ~28.8 million (Estimated population residing in what is now gov’t controlled areas pre-war).
• Subtract Refugees Originating from Gov’t Areas: While ~6.5 million refugees left Ukraine total, a significant portion came from occupied areas before or during occupation. Estimates suggest ~5.0 – 5.5 million refugees likely originated from areas now under government control.
• Adjust for Returns/Displacement: Some refugees have returned (temporarily or permanently), and millions are internally displaced (IDPs) within gov’t territory (already included in the 31.1m).
• Rough Estimate: ~28.8 million (pre-war gov’t area pop) – ~5.25 million (refugees from gov’t areas) ≈ ~23.55 million physically present in government-controlled Ukraine (mid-2024). This is a very rough estimate.

Summary Contrast:

• 1992 Population: ~52.1 million
• Official Current Population (Gov’t Controlled Territory, Jan 2024): ~31.1 million
• Estimated Population Physically Present in Gov’t Controlled Ukraine (Mid-2024): Roughly 23 – 24 million (This contrasts most sharply with 1992, showing a decline of over 50%).

Crucial Caveats:

1. Occupied Territories: Russia claims annexation of Crimea (2014) and the four other oblasts (2022), but this is illegal under international law and not recognized by the vast majority of UN member states. Ukraine and the international community consider these territories illegally occupied parts of Ukraine.
2. Data Limitations: Population data during active war is extremely challenging. The 31.1 million figure is an official estimate. The refugee number (6.5m) is based on host country registrations but may not capture everyone. Estimating populations within occupied territories is even harder.
3. Internal Displacement: Ukraine also has millions of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) – people who fled occupied areas or frontline regions but remain within government-controlled Ukraine. They are included in the 31.1 million figure.
4. Dynamic Situation: Refugee numbers and the frontline change constantly. These figures represent the best estimates available around mid-2024.

In essence: The current population physically residing in areas under Ukrainian government control is estimated to be only around 23-24 million, a dramatic decrease from both the 1992 peak (~52m) and the pre-war 2022 population (~37m within current borders), primarily due to territorial loss, mass emigration (refugees), and long-term negative demographic trends.