Top Ten Largest Cities Under Ukrainian Control in 2025
Ukraine’s cities have been deeply affected by war, migration, and reconstruction efforts since 2022. In 2025, the largest urban centers under government control continue to play a critical role in the country’s political, economic, and cultural life. The figures below are based on estimates, reflecting wartime population shifts and ongoing displacement.
The list excludes cities in Crimea and fully occupied territories such as Donetsk, Luhansk, and Mariupol, where reliable Ukrainian data is not available. Population numbers are approximate and subject to change as conditions evolve. They highlight both resilience and challenges faced by Ukraine’s urban communities.
The war has shaped demographic patterns across Ukraine. Kyiv remains the country’s most significant urban magnet, while eastern and southern cities closer to the front have experienced larger fluctuations. Internal displacement, temporary evacuations, and gradual returns influence the stability of populations. Industrial hubs near the frontline balance economic activity with security risks. Western and central regions, comparatively safer, have absorbed large numbers of displaced residents, reshaping their demographics and infrastructure.
Top 10 Cities (Under Ukrainian Control, 2025 estimates)
1. Kyiv — 2,797,553 — Kyiv City
Kyiv is the capital and largest city of Ukraine, serving as the country’s political, cultural, and economic heart. Since the invasion, many residents who left during the early months have returned, rebuilding normal life. The city is a hub for international diplomacy and humanitarian operations. Despite missile threats, Kyiv’s economy has been recovering, driven by services, technology, and administration. Its population reflects both resilience and strong pull factors for Ukrainians nationwide.
2. Kharkiv — 1,430,885 — Kharkiv Oblast
Kharkiv is Ukraine’s second-largest city and a major educational and industrial center. Located near the Russian border, it has suffered heavy shelling but continues to operate as a vital hub. Its universities and research institutions remain key drivers of innovation. Industry, particularly machinery and technology, supports both the economy and wartime needs. Many residents have returned, although population levels remain volatile due to security risks.
3. Dnipro — 1,032,822 — Dnipropetrovsk Oblast
Dnipro is a central industrial city and one of Ukraine’s most important logistics hubs. Its strategic location has made it a key center for military support and humanitarian relief. The city’s steel and metallurgical industries remain essential for the national economy. Dnipro has absorbed many displaced people from frontline areas, reshaping its demographic balance. Despite challenges, the city demonstrates resilience and adaptability in wartime.
4. Odesa — 1,001,558 — Odesa Oblast
Odesa is Ukraine’s primary port on the Black Sea and a vital trade gateway. The city’s economy revolves around maritime commerce, shipping, and logistics. It has been targeted by attacks but continues to function as a cultural and economic hub. The reopening of trade corridors has helped stabilize its role in national exports. Its diverse population and historic identity contribute to its resilience.
5. Zaporizhzhia — 796,217 — Zaporizhzhia Oblast
Zaporizhzhia is a key industrial city and home to one of Europe’s largest nuclear power plants, though the facility itself is in occupied territory. The city remains under Ukrainian control and is a frontline community, with a strong military presence. Industry, including metallurgy and machinery, remains central to its economy. Many displaced persons from occupied areas have resettled here. Despite constant threats, Zaporizhzhia continues to serve as a crucial administrative and humanitarian hub.
6. Lviv — 717,803 — Lviv Oblast
Lviv is the largest city in western Ukraine and a cultural capital with strong European ties. It has become a safe haven for displaced people from across the country. The IT and service sectors have flourished, making it an innovation hub. Universities and cultural institutions remain active, sustaining the city’s reputation as a center of learning. Its population has grown due to migration from the east and south.
7. Kryvyi Rih — 652,380 — Dnipropetrovsk Oblast
Kryvyi Rih is one of Ukraine’s most important industrial and mining cities. Known for its iron ore and metallurgy, it provides significant resources for the national economy. Located near the frontlines, it faces constant threats but continues to operate. The city has fortified itself against attacks and supports military logistics. Its resilience is tied to both its strategic industry and its strong local community.
8. Mykolaiv — 510,840 — Mykolaiv Oblast
Mykolaiv is a shipbuilding and industrial center in southern Ukraine. It has suffered heavy bombardment but remains under Ukrainian control. The city is vital for defense production and maritime infrastructure. Despite war damage, reconstruction efforts are underway. Its population reflects both displacement and gradual return as security improves.
9. Khmelnytskyi — 398,346 — Khmelnytskyi Oblast
Khmelnytskyi is a growing administrative and economic center in western Ukraine. It has seen an influx of displaced people from eastern regions. The city plays a significant role in logistics, agriculture, and regional governance. Its stability has allowed it to expand services and infrastructure. Population growth here demonstrates its role as a safe and developing hub.
10. Vinnytsia — 352,115 — Vinnytsia Oblast
Vinnytsia is a central Ukrainian city with a strong reputation for healthcare, education, and administration. It has become a key settlement area for internally displaced persons. The city’s economy is diversified, with services, light industry, and agriculture. Public services have expanded to accommodate new residents. Vinnytsia continues to play a stabilizing role in Ukraine’s central region.
Top 50 Table
The full Top 50 list includes the largest cities under Ukrainian control, excluding Crimea and fully occupied urban areas such as Donetsk, Luhansk, and Mariupol. It highlights both historic urban centers and emerging regional hubs that are adapting to wartime conditions.
| # | City | Population (2025 est.) | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kyiv | 2 797 553 | Ukraine’s capital and largest city, Kyiv serves as the nation’s political, cultural, and economic hub, drawing back residents and investment as services, education, and technology sectors continue to operate and expand. |
| 2 | Kharkiv | 1 430 885 | Kharkiv is a major academic and industrial center in northeastern Ukraine, renowned for its universities and engineering base while maintaining essential city functions under difficult conditions. |
| 3 | Dnipro | 1 032 822 | Dnipro anchors central Ukraine with heavy industry, logistics, and healthcare capacity, acting as a key corridor for commerce and humanitarian support. |
| 4 | Odesa | 1 001 558 | Odesa is the country’s principal Black Sea port city, where maritime trade, logistics, culture, and tourism shape a diverse and outward-looking urban economy. |
| 5 | Zaporizhzhia | 796 217 | Zaporizhzhia is an industrial hub on the Dnipro River, providing metallurgy and machinery output and coordinating administration and aid for surrounding communities. |
| 6 | Lviv | 717 803 | Lviv is western Ukraine’s cultural and business gateway to Europe, with thriving IT, education, and services supporting a growing, dynamic population. |
| 7 | Kryvyi Rih | 652 380 | Kryvyi Rih is a major mining and steelmaking metropolis, where iron ore and metallurgy underpin local employment and national industry. |
| 8 | Mykolaiv | 510 840 | Mykolaiv is a southern shipbuilding and industrial city whose port infrastructure, engineering plants, and repair yards remain economically significant. |
| 9 | Khmelnytskyi | 398 346 | Khmelnytskyi in western-central Ukraine functions as a stable administrative, transport, and services node that has absorbed displaced residents. |
| 10 | Vinnytsia | 352 115 | Vinnytsia is an orderly central Ukrainian city noted for healthcare, education, and light industry, expanding public services to meet population needs. |
| 11 | Kherson | 320 477 | Kherson, a key city on the Dnipro delta, combines river transport, agriculture links, and regional administration in southern Ukraine. |
| 12 | Poltava | 317 847 | Poltava is a historic central Ukrainian city known for food processing, education, and culture, serving as a calm regional anchor. |
| 13 | Chernihiv | 307 684 | Chernihiv in the north blends ancient heritage with modern services, supporting trade and administration along routes to Kyiv and the borderlands. |
| 14 | Cherkasy | 297 568 | Cherkasy on the Dnipro is an industrial and agricultural-processing center, providing logistics and public services to the heartland. |
| 15 | Sumy | 294 456 | Sumy, near the northeastern border, is an educational and light-industrial city with engineering traditions and active civic life. |
| 16 | Zhytomyr | 282 192 | Zhytomyr is a central-western junction for transport, food and woodworking industries, and regional administration. |
| 17 | Rivne | 255 106 | Rivne in northwest Ukraine is a growing services and manufacturing center with strong road and rail connections to Lviv and Kyiv. |
| 18 | Kropyvnytskyi | 249 454 | Kropyvnytskyi serves as an agricultural, logistics, and administrative hub for central Ukraine’s farming heartland. |
| 19 | Kamianske | 248 575 | Kamianske (on the Dnipro) is a metallurgical city with steel, chemicals, and power-related industries supporting regional supply chains. |
| 20 | Chernivtsi | 236 250 | Chernivtsi on the Prut River is a multicultural university city, where services, trade, and small industry drive local development. |
| 21 | Ternopil | 235 676 | Ternopil in western Ukraine offers a balanced economy of education, services, and light manufacturing around its scenic city lake. |
| 22 | Kremenchuk | 227 494 | Kremenchuk is an industrial and logistics hub on the Dnipro, producing machinery and vehicles and linking river and highway routes. |
| 23 | Lutsk | 213 661 | Lutsk, the capital of Volyn, combines historic charm with growing manufacturing, retail, and education sectors. |
| 24 | Ivano-Frankivsk | 204 200 | Ivano-Frankivsk lies at the gateway to the Carpathians, with energy services, SMEs, and culture supporting a vibrant regional economy. |
| 25 | Bila Tserkva | 199 163 | Bila Tserkva south of Kyiv is a regional services and industrial center known for machinery, pharmaceuticals, and education. |
| 26 | Kramatorsk | 173 700 | Kramatorsk in Donetsk region is an important administrative and industrial city with machine-building traditions. |
| 27 | Melitopol | 158 000 | Melitopol historically serves as a gateway between southern Ukraine and the Azov region, with food processing and transport links. |
| 28 | Nikopol | 130 500 | Nikopol on the Dnipro is known for manganese, metallurgy, and energy-adjacent industries supporting regional supply chains. |
| 29 | Sievierodonetsk | 130 000 | Sievierodonetsk is a chemical-industry city in Luhansk region with a legacy of science, engineering, and manufacturing. |
| 30 | Sloviansk | 124 800 | Sloviansk, a key Donbas city, features ceramics, salt-related industry, and strategic rail and road connections. |
| 31 | Berdiansk | 118 284 | Berdiansk is a Sea of Azov port city historically focused on shipping, fisheries, tourism, and food processing. |
| 32 | Uzhhorod | 117 878 | Uzhhorod on the Slovak border is a compact university and services city with strong cross-border cultural and trade ties. |
| 33 | Pavlohrad | 115 932 | Pavlohrad in Dnipropetrovsk region supports mining, rail logistics, and energy-related industries for the central steppe. |
| 34 | Lysychansk | 111 600 | Lysychansk, part of the Sievierodonetsk–Lysychansk industrial area, has a heritage of chemicals, glass, and oil refining. |
| 35 | Oleksandriia | 103 000 | Oleksandriia in central Ukraine is a transport and services center with nearby energy and agricultural activity. |
| 36 | Kamianets-Podilskyi | 100 000 | Kamianets-Podilskyi is famed for its medieval fortress and tourism, complemented by education and light industry. |
| 37 | Konotop | 91 798 | Konotop in Sumy region is a rail junction town with engineering, food processing, and public services. |
| 38 | Kostiantynivka | 91 259 | Kostiantynivka in Donetsk region has glass, metalworking, and logistics functions serving the broader industrial basin. |
| 39 | Brovary | 88 506 | Brovary, just east of Kyiv, is a fast-growing suburban-industrial city with logistics, retail, and light manufacturing. |
| 40 | Uman | 87 658 | Uman in Cherkasy region is a horticultural and educational center, internationally known for Sofiyivka Park and pilgrimage sites. |
| 41 | Berdychiv | 86 250 | Berdychiv in Zhytomyr region blends historic trade traditions with food processing, textiles, and services. |
| 42 | Shostka | 85 432 | Shostka in the north has a legacy of chemicals, electronics, and printing materials alongside regional services. |
| 43 | Mukachevo | 84 000 | Mukachevo in Transcarpathia is a cross-border manufacturing and logistics hub with strong SME activity and tourism. |
| 44 | Drohobych | 73 000 | Drohobych near Lviv features oil-processing heritage, salt industry, education, and a well-preserved urban core. |
| 45 | Novomoskovsk | 72 000 | Novomoskovsk in Dnipropetrovsk region supports metallurgy supply chains, housing estates, and regional services. |
| 46 | Kovel | 68 000 | Kovel is a key rail and road junction in Volyn, linking Ukraine with Poland and the Baltic corridor. |
| 47 | Stryi | 59 000 | Stryi in Lviv region is an important road-rail node with food processing, trade, and access to the Carpathians. |
| 48 | Kolomyia | 61 000 | Kolomyia in Prykarpattia is a cultural and craft center with museums, tourism, and small-scale manufacturing. |
| 49 | Smila | 66 000 | Smila in Cherkasy region combines food processing, machine repair, and transport services for surrounding rural areas. |
| 50 | Fastiv | 46 000 | Fastiv southwest of Kyiv is a railway hub with food industries, warehousing, and growing residential districts. |
Ukraine’s urban system continues to adapt under pressure from war, displacement, and reconstruction. Major cities are not only centers of economic life but also shelters for displaced populations and hubs for humanitarian aid. Populations remain fluid, with returns, resettlements, and new arrivals constantly reshaping the demographic landscape. These cities represent both the resilience and the challenges of modern Ukraine as it looks to the future.
