Ukraine Faces Its Harshest Winter of the War

The war in Ukraine has been ongoing since Russia’s large-scale invasion in February 2022. For more than four years, people have been living under the threat of attacks, destruction, and supply shortages. With Winter approaching, the situation is becoming even more dire: attacks on energy infrastructure are jeopardizing the supply of electricity, heat, and water. At the same time, rising demand and limited resources are making it difficult to secure food and other essential goods.

Older adults and people with limited mobility are particularly vulnerable to rocket attacks, shelling, and power outages. Many are barely able to leave their homes and are becoming increasingly socially isolated. The ongoing stress can exacerbate chronic illnesses. When family members have fled abroad or been drafted into military service, there is often a lack of support, medical care, and personal contact. Cold weather and the inability to prepare hot meals further exacerbate their situation.

Children, too, are suffering from the ongoing war. Air raid sirens interrupt school classes, and attacks on the energy grid disrupt families’ daily lives. In Winter, warm clothing, sufficient food, and heated rooms become especially important. Children who have been rescued from frontline or occupied areas, orphans, and children with disabilities need special protection and reliable care. When families struggle to obtain enough food and, at the same time, face power and heating outages, it becomes even more difficult to meet children’s basic needs. Safe shelter, warm meals, and psychosocial support are therefore especially important during the Winter months.