Description
ABSTRACT
Background: The full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia in 2022 has intensified challenges related to youth, particularly forced migration and population decline. Purpose: To examine the influence of forced migration on the human potential of Ukrainian youth, focusing on educational, professional, and social changes, and identifying key challenges and ways to preserve intellectual capital. Methods: The study used demographic and economic analysis, case studies, SWOT-analysis, content analysis of open sources to assess youth reactions and generalization. Main results: Youth migration negatively affects Ukraine’s economic growth due to the loss of human and innovative resources, social capital, and labour market stability. However, it also fosters development through new skills, experiences, and educational gains. About 82% of youth report war-related losses indicate widespread impact. Migration has socio-economic and emotional consequences, including weakened social ties and increased anxiety. Practical implications: The obtained results can become the basis for further scientific research in the field of sociology, economics, psychology and other sciences that study the impact of war on human potential. Conclusions: Forced migration poses risks to Ukraine’s human capital but also presents opportunities for youth development. It is crucial to create conditions for return migration and support mechanisms that reduce negative effects and enable reintegration.
