Four Years of War Leave Ukraine Exhausted as Bombing, Blackouts, and Trauma Deepen

As Ukraine marks four years of conflict on February 24, widespread bombing and shelling across the country have decimated critical infrastructure, including roads, hospitals, schools, and power grids, leaving entire regions isolated. After four years of indiscriminate attacks, the population is exhausted and traumatized. The onset of a bitter winter further exacerbates their vulnerability.

Relentless Bombing and Shelling

For four years, civilians have been subjected to indiscriminate and relentless bombing and shelling. They can be struck by drones or aerial bombs while going about their daily routines, such as waiting in line at a pension office or taking the bus. Both small villages and densely populated urban areas have been targeted. According to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), 15,000 civilians have been killed and 40,000 injured since February 2022.

Tatiana, a physical therapist for HI in Ukraine, says, “We have seen a significant increase in requests for rehabilitation from people injured by rocket and drone attacks, aerial bombardments, and landmine explosions. These patients have suffered severe trauma and amputations.” She adds, “There has also been a rise in requests from internally displaced persons as the front line moves closer to the Dnipropetrovsk region. Our work helps survivors regain everyday abilities, move independently, and care for themselves so they can feel confident again. For those who have lost everything, including their property, health, and sometimes the will to live, mental health support is essential.”

Infrastructure has been severely damaged or destroyed ahead of the winter season. Up to 70 percent of Ukraine’s total electricity generation capacity has been destroyed or damaged by the war, with thermal power plants the most heavily affected.

Power outages lasting many hours each day are severely impacting hospitals, schools, and other essential services. Millions have lost access to reliable heating, water, and public transportation, with devastating effects on morale.

Trauma Among the Population

HI plays an important role for a population exhausted by four years of relentless bombing, repeated displacement, the loss of homes and property, and bereavement. Many survivors and their families are experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety. Entire communities have been affected and deprived of access to essential services, particularly education and socioeconomic opportunities.

Since 2022, HI has supported more than 5,600 people through rehabilitation sessions and nearly 19,000 through psychosocial support. More than 6,000 assistive devices have been distributed, and 13,000 people have been referred to relevant public or humanitarian services.

Contamination

HI Disarmament Senior Advisor Elliot de Faramond explains, “As stated in Humanity & Inclusion’s study published last June, approximately one-quarter of Ukraine’s territory, 138,503 square kilometers of land and 14,000 square kilometers of water, is potentially contaminated by landmines, cluster munitions, and other explosive remnants of war. Ukraine is now one of the most severely affected countries in the world." He resumes, "This contamination is halting agricultural production, hindering reconstruction efforts, and restricting humanitarian access. Entire communities have lost access to essential land for farming and grazing, pushing rural households deeper into poverty and increasing their reliance on aid.”

In the Kherson region alone, where explosive ordnance contamination is expected to reduce regional growth by 10 to 15 percent, the situation was further exacerbated in June 2023 by the destruction of the Nova Kakhovka dam. This event triggered the spread of thousands of landmines and flooded tens of thousands of hectares of agricultural land.

The presence of explosive ordnance in residential areas, combined with the risk of recontamination in previously cleared zones, creates major barriers for internally displaced persons and refugees considering returning home. Over the past four years, HI has provided risk education sessions to more than 230,000 people.

Persons With Disabilities in War

A report by the Assessment Capacities Project (ACAPS) estimates that approximately 300,000 people have suffered war-related injuries, some of which have resulted in physical disabilities, including amputations and hearing or vision loss.

Before the conflict, Ukraine had an estimated 2.7 million persons with disabilities. This number has since increased due to the high number of people injured in the war.

Persons with disabilities have been disproportionately affected by violence and death and have faced significant barriers in accessing essential services.

Spokespersons are available for interviews upon request.