KIEV, June 5 (Xinhua) — Ukraine’s labor force decreased by 12 percent to 15.2 million people since the start of the conflict with Russia, the Interfax-Ukraine news agency reported on Wednesday, citing a recent report.

The military actions and the population decrease due to migration are the main factors behind the labor force reduction, according to the report by the Economy Ministry and the Finance Ministry.

“Moreover, about half of the workforce in Ukraine is inactive, not working and not looking for work. Almost three-quarters of employers in the country note that they are experiencing a shortage of personnel,” the report said.

According to the document, Ukraine may increase its labor force by attracting more workers and encouraging refugees, who left Ukraine due to the conflict, to return to their homes.

The UN data suggested that 5.8 million Ukrainians fled the conflict to European countries.