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Four years into the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the reality for children in frontline cities has become one of constant fear and displacement, with daily life reduced to a struggle for survival. A recent assessment by UN agencies paints a grim picture of a generation whose childhoods are being irrevocably altered by the ongoing conflict, forcing many to seek refuge in basements and shelters. The situation is particularly dire in cities like Kherson, where attacks on civilian infrastructure are relentless.
The impact of the war on Ukrainian children extends far beyond physical danger. Humanitarian organizations report widespread exhaustion among families living under constant threat, and a growing mental health crisis as children grapple with trauma, isolation, and the disruption of their normal lives. The long-term consequences of this prolonged exposure to violence and instability are a major concern for aid workers and international observers. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine remains Europe’s largest displacement crisis, with millions uprooted from their homes.
Kherson Under Constant Fire
Speaking from a basement in Kherson, currently serving as a child protection hub, UNICEF representative in Ukraine Munir Mammadzade described the city as being “under constant fire,” with daily attacks targeting homes and essential services. He reported hearing “constant artillery shelling” and noted a “massive, coordinated attack” impacting civilian and energy infrastructure overnight. The city’s children’s hospital was reportedly struck eight times on Tuesday morning, highlighting the vulnerability of even healthcare facilities. UNICEF reported on the ongoing attacks.
Before the full-scale invasion began on February 24, 2022, approximately 60,000 children lived in Kherson. Now, only around 5,000 remain, forced to “learn, play and sleep in basements just to stay safe,” according to Mammadzade. The region is now largely covered in anti-drone netting, a stark visual representation of the pervasive threat facing residents. He described witnessing children engaging with psychologists in a neighboring room of the hub, a rare sight given the dangers of venturing outside.
Widespread Displacement and Exhaustion
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reports that 9.6 million people have been displaced from their homes due to the war, with 3.7 million internally displaced within Ukraine. Arthur Erken, the IOM regional director for Europe, emphasized that power cuts, resulting from attacks on energy infrastructure, are now a defining feature of daily life, impacting everything from cooking and studying to hospital procedures. Temperatures as low as -20 degrees Celsius are exacerbating the shortages of heating, electricity, and essential repairs.
Erken likewise highlighted the vulnerability of displaced people and those returning to their homes, noting that one in three displaced households includes a member with a disability, and over half include someone managing a chronic illness. These realities, he stressed, shape every decision families make regarding healthcare and basic necessities.
A Growing Crisis of Return and Resilience
Despite the immense challenges, Ukrainians continue to flee in search of safety. Over 450,000 people were displaced within the last year alone, often for the second or third time. The IOM warns that approximately 325,000 Ukrainian returnees could be displaced again in the coming months, with more than a third considering moving abroad. This reflects the cumulative strain of insecurity, damaged housing, and limited access to essential services.
“After four years of war, resilience alone cannot sustain families through yet another winter of blackouts and freezing temperatures,” Erken insisted. “Safe housing, reliable energy and essential services are not luxuries. They are fundamental to people’s survival, safety and dignity.”
As negotiations continue between Ukraine and Russia, facilitated by the United States, the immediate needs of Ukrainian children and families remain paramount. The situation demands sustained humanitarian assistance and a renewed commitment to protecting civilians in this protracted conflict. The long-term implications of this war on an entire generation will require ongoing support and attention for years to come.
What comes next will depend on the success of diplomatic efforts and the ability of humanitarian organizations to reach those most in need. Continued monitoring of displacement patterns and the provision of essential services will be crucial in mitigating the devastating impact of this conflict. Share your thoughts in the comments below.
