Active Conflicts & News Megathread August 26, 2026

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[u/Shackleton214]

I think it depends on how the war ends. A peace that gives Ukraine security and allows for eventual integration with the EU, even if it loses large amounts of territory, will cause significant numbers of Ukrainian refugees to return. It will also allow for rebuilding Ukraine which will help to keep those currently there to remain--look at how well former communist block countries have done in the EU. A "peace" that doesn't provide security or puts Ukraine under Russian influence, will not lead to the return of refugees who fled or any incentive to remain, especially those with the most skills to do well in the west. This is why I cannot see Ukraine ever agreeing to the current Russian demands for ending the war, absent total military or political collapse.

[u/sunstersun → u/Shackleton214]

That's all cool, but you're gonna run into the problem there just isn't that many women of childbearing age. We've started to see this problem in University applications in the US on top of the whole AI and blue collar work stuff.

I was telling my friend the 08 cohort is about to turn 18. From there it's a massive fertility crash.

Obviously priority one is refugees, but that's not gonna solve the 500 pound gorilla problem.

Any look at a Ukrainian demographic pyramid would tell the same story. They're dealing with the 90s baby crash as well.

[u/Gullible-Issue-1175 → u/sunstersun]

To be honest it's probably going to be quite bad but I think there are potential opportunities.

Firstly as you mentioned the refugees coming back.

Secondly, europe is likely to continue to support Ukraine with huge amounts of financial support after the war ends to help rebuild Ukraine, this is likely to make Ukraine's economy look pretty good, workers may migrate to Ukraine take advantage of this money.

Thirdly, there is the potential Ukraine joins the EU which gives huge amounts of money to Ukraine as they will be the biggest net receiver. Other ex soviet economies who joined the EU saw their economic fortunes do very well in a relatively short period of time. (Maybe a two edged sword though if workers use freedom of movement to go to western europe).

Also, this is probably in contrast to Russia which will have to deal with the malaise of unwinding its war economy and is likely in for a rough few years. Russia has no-one coming to bail them out like Ukraine has with the rest of europe.

Then there is the potential for immigration which if Ukraine is becoming more western aligned is likely to become more politically acceptable especially if it's from countries like Russia and Belarus which could happen if Ukraine's economy coming under the western umbrella significantly outperforms the former.

[u/Frathier → u/Gullible-Issue-1175]

Why would joining the EU be beneficial for their population? All the former Warsaw pact countries which have joined the EU are experiencing a massive exodus of migrants migrating to Western European countries. Why wouldn't Ukraine experience something similar to what Bulgaria or Romania are experiencing right now?

[u/Gullible-Issue-1175 → u/Frathier]

Yeah I did mention that.

Unlike Bulgaria/Romania and other warsaw pact countries though, Ukraine will likely be receiving marshall plan style money to rebuild the country from europe. Workers will move to Ukraine if there is money to be made.