Russian attacks taking a toll on Ukraine’s labour market? Let’s understand

The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has released a major report detailing the significant impact of Russia’s years-long ‘special military operation’ on the labour market in Ukraine.

The report highlights that people recently displaced inside Ukraine are more likely to be unemployed (24%), compared to those displaced for one year or more (13%). Russian attacks have amplified existing inequalities in Ukraine’s labour market.

This disparity highlights the challenges of economic integration for recently internally displaced people (IDPs) as this group often lacks the resources and stability needed to secure employment in unfamiliar or disrupted environments.

Your guide to major issues faced by job seekers in Ukraine

In a major escalation on Thursday, Russia fired an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) targeting Dnipro, said Ukraine’s air force. It comes days after Ukraine fired US and British missiles at targets inside Russian territory.

The IOM report also highlighted that the employment rate among respondents in the 18-60 years age group stands at 67%, 6% less than prior to February 2022, despite the massive decline in labour supply due to forced internal migration.

The most significant challenges faced by job seekers in Ukraine include lack of local job opportunities and less salaries. IOM is calling on international communities to continue supporting its efforts to build Ukrainians’ resilience.