Nearly three years have passed since the onset of the Ukraine conflict, and its devastating impact is increasingly evident, especially among children traumatized by war and the millions of refugees who find themselves living uncertain lives abroad.
Reports indicate a stark deterioration of mental health among Ukrainian children trapped in the midst of this prolonged conflict, which has continued for over 1000 days. Daniel Wordsworth, chief executive of World Vision Australia, highlights how the combination of trauma and disrupted relationships significantly hampers development. "I noticed a lot of children who couldn’t speak, and…some who were reverting in their fine and gross motor skills," Wordsworth explains, emphasizing how the unique nature of urban warfare has left many children vulnerable and adversely affected.
Compounding this impact, Caritas Humanitarian Emergencies Lead, Sally Thomas, warns of the growing crisis with displaced persons, particularly among orphaned children and the homeless. She notes, "It’s starting to become one of those perfect storms for orphaned children and homelessness," reflecting the urgent need for humanitarian assistance as the realities of war continue to shatter lives.
During this turmoil, many Ukrainian refugees abroad wrestle with the realities of their new lives. Yana Felos, who fled her home and resettled in the United Kingdom, recalls arriving with little more than the clothes on her back and her daughter at her side. "I just started a new life from scratch," Felos said, her story echoing the sentiments of roughly 6.8 million Ukrainians who remain displaced. Hopelessness pervades her experience as she confronts the truth of what she has lost: “He kept saying the war would be over… wait, wait, the war will be over soon, and we will be together,” she reflected, speaking of the recent conclusion of her marriage, which fell victim to the relentless conflict.
President Volodymyr Zelensky’s government recognizes the urgent situation, promoting programs and incentives aimed at encouraging expatriates to return home. “We can’t pressure, push people to come back...to help our soldiers, to pay taxes, to support Ukraine,” he stated, demonstrating his government’s willingness to bolster national morale and the economy. Yet, behind this push lies the fear of continued instability as more civilians flee seeking safety.
Ella Libanova, economics professor and director of the Ptoukha Institute for Demography, articulates the widening gap between those who have left Ukraine and the prospects of return. “Every month of the ‘hot’ phase of the war leads to more people adapting abroad and more destruction here, so fewer people will return,” she asserts, casting doubt on the effectiveness of government initiatives against the backdrop of persistent violence.
For some, the connection to home remains too strong to sever entirely. Victoria Rybka, who escaped the city of Kharkiv with her children, faced the strain of new surroundings as her daughters struggled to acclimate. She chose to return, stating, "Everyone makes their own choice...I made my choice – this is my home," echoing the sentiment of many who feel compelled by familial ties and emotional stakes even amid the horrors of war.
Both the personal stories of refugees and the plight of children remaining on the frontlines reveal the significant human cost of the Ukraine conflict. Children, as Wordsworth notes, are particularly affected by this trauma: "The danger we have is the absence of hope, not the existence of trauma," he said, foreshadowing the long road to recovery for many traumatized by continuous conflict.
While the Ukrainian government works to mend the societal fractures caused by war, addressing the mental health challenges faced by children and the dubious futures of refugees will be fundamental to reviving national spirit and rebuilding communities. The need for hope, safety, and belonging remains as urgent as ever for those affected by this devastating conflict.
