Almost half of Ukraine’s population has left the country and is working abroad. That’s according to the Russian military TV station Zvezda, which quotes Olga Kovitidi, a member of the Federation Council — Russia’s upper house of parliament.

This figure, however, is not supported by any available statistics.

Ukraine’s State Employment Service said in February that 5 million Ukrainians were currently working abroad, or 11.6 percent of the total population.

The International Organisation for Migration says 688,000 Ukrainians held the status of international working migrants in 2016, or less than 2 percent of the population.

Adding to numerous Russian media reports blasting Ukraine’s economy, Zvezda also inflated Ukraine’s unemployment rates.

It’s worth mentioning that Olga Kovitidi represents Crimea at the Federation Council.

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