Ukraine Faces Labor Shortage As Russia's War Empties Factories And Farms

Ukraine's need to get people to the front to fight the Russian invasion is also creating a manpower problem nationwide, with labor shortages hitting many sectors.
The war has emptied factories and farms, taking away workers and disrupting production and harvest cycles.
Employers report difficulty filling positions, from manufacturing lines to agricultural fields, as waves of male workers join the military or relocate to safer regions.
Government and business leaders warn that labor gaps threaten economic recovery and threaten the delivery of essential services.
Some regions have started recruiting temporarily or reassigning workers, while others seek foreign labor or more flexible hiring rules to mitigate shortages.
The shortages compound logistical challenges, such as transporting goods and maintaining infrastructure, as fewer workers are available for maintenance and operations.

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty — 2025-12-01