Zelensky Says Ukraine Must Give its Youth ‘Reasons to Stay’
President Volodymyr Zelensky marked Ukraine’s Youth Day by calling for stronger government attention to youth policy. The new Cabinet of Ministers is tasked to give young people in Ukraine concrete reasons to stay and build futures in the country, according to Zelensky, as Ukraine approaches its fifth year of war and faces deep uncertainty.
On Ukraine's Youth Day, President Volodymyr Zelensky urged the government to focus on youth policy as part of a broader plan to improve civilian life. Following a meeting with participants of the Ukrainian Youth Forum "Youth in Action," Zelensky said the nation's new government is creating the Cabinet of Ministers' action program.
Speaking at a press conference, Zelensky emphasized that supporting the youth is not merely about providing state benefits, but rather offering reasons for them to remain in Ukraine. He explained that this includes enabling people to live in Ukraine, plan their lives and families' futures, and trust that Ukraine will care for them and their families.
Despite the ongoing war in its fifth year, Zelensky stressed that security remains a priority. However, he also argued that civilian life cannot be considered secondary. According to him, the government must take concrete steps to support normal social life in Ukraine, allowing citizens to have a fulfilling living space in the country.
Zelensky's comments come as the country continues to experience civilian casualties due to Russian strikes, causing many young Ukrainians to leave the nation or postpone starting families. Zelensky hopes the incoming government's program will give ample attention to youth policies while not specifying any particular measures.
Youth retention has been a recurring issue for Ukrainian authorities, as they fear a shrinking younger population could hinder the country's long-term recovery. On June 23, Mykolaiv region initiated its regional youth congress, gathering 52 community representatives. The congress in Dnipropetrovsk region, launched in early July, had over 70 delegates.
The Chamber of Regional Youth Congresses completed forming in all regions on July 21, adding 1,469 new representatives and 300 delegates to the National Congress. Deputy Head of the President's Office Viktor Mykyta stated that the initiative aims to provide young Ukrainians with a direct path to policymaking, marking a new stage in regional policy shaping.
Prime Minister Serhii Koretskyi met with regional youth leaders on August 11 to launch the Chamber of Regional Youth Congresses, pushing for further reforms to youth housing programs nationwide, stating that young people should return to their communities with practical tools for work.
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