Let's start with the most obvious example: Kherson.
Until 2022, almost 300,000 people lived here. But after the war and constant shelling began, the situation changed radically. Now, approximately 60,000-65,000 residents remain in the city.
That is, the population has decreased by more than four to five times.
And it's not just the number that matters, but also the structure:
mostly elderly people remain in the city, while young people and families with children are more likely to leave.
The reason is simple and stark: security. Constant attacks, proximity to the front, problems with infrastructure. In such conditions, people don't make plans for the future - they leave.

Now the other side is western Ukraine. Cities like Uzhhorod, Lviv, and Ivano-Frankivsk have become places of mass migration from the east and south.
Yes, the claim that the population "doubled" is a bit of an exaggeration. But the growth is indeed significant. In some periods, the population increased by tens of percent due to displaced people.
Why these cities?
First, safety. They are farther from the front lines.
Second, infrastructure. Schools, shops, and businesses are open there.
Third, proximity to Europe, which offers more opportunities for work and emigration.

But have these cities become "promising"?
Partially, yes, but not everything is perfect.
On the one hand:
- small businesses are developing
- new companies are opening
- demand for housing is growing
On the other hand:
- overloaded infrastructure
- expensive rent
- lack of jobs for everyone
So there is growth, but it is not always comfortable.

An interesting point: this isn't just a temporary displacement of people, but a demographic shift.
Ukraine is now effectively divided into:
- zones where life has slowed down significantly (like Kherson)
- zones where it has actually sped up (like Uzhhorod)

Conclusion
Yes, Kherson has indeed become significantly emptier - that's a fact.
Yes, Western cities have grown noticeably - that's also a fact.
But this isn't "natural growth," it's forced growth. People are moving not because they're better off there, but because they're safer.
And the main question for the future is whether people will return when things calm down.
Because that's what will determine which cities will truly remain promising.