GENEVA — 

According to a spokesperson from UNICEF, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which has been ongoing for two years, is causing significant hardship and emotional turmoil for the children affected. Many of these children have been separated from their loved ones and peers, their education has been disrupted, and they have had to endure months living in frigid underground bunkers. This was reported to VOA on Wednesday.

“Two years of this war is wreaking havoc on children’s mental health now. They have not been anywhere near a classroom for years, and they have not seen their friends. Many of their friends have gone,” UNICEF spokesperson James Elder told VOA from Kharkiv, Ukraine, by Zoom.

Elder, while on a mission in Ukraine for a week, noted that the current situation is not the same as when Russia first invaded on February 24, 2022. However, he highlighted the continued feelings of sorrow and anxiety among the population.

“When I arrived the day after the war began, I was in Lviv witnessing the largest refugee crisis since World War II. It was a scene of immense sorrow, with countless goodbyes between spouses, parents, and children as people desperately fled across borders,” he explained.

“To be here two years later, particularly this year in Kharkiv with its proximity to Russia, I think it is still grief. It is very real fear that what has happened to these people during those first five, six months will happen again here,” he said.

It is not a paralyzing terror. They will not permit that to occur. However, it is a feeling of fear due to the frequent attacks.

In February 24 to May 13, 2022, the battle of Kharkiv occurred in Ukraine’s second-largest city, located approximately 30 kilometers (19 miles) from the border of Russia. The conflict resulted in a significant loss of civilian life and destruction of the city’s infrastructure.

during violent conflicts

Educational institutions that have been harmed or demolished as a result of turbulent disputes.

As per the Ukrainian authorities, over 3,800 educational institutions in the nation have suffered damage or destruction, significantly impacting the ability of millions of children to access education.

Revised: Out of 700 schools in Kharkiv, only 2 are currently providing in-person instruction. The majority of students are participating in online learning, while a small number attend classes at underground schools located in five Metro stations.

The absence of in-person schooling is greatly affecting the mental well-being of young individuals, according to Elder.

“I have often been approached by parents and psychologists expressing their worries about the socialization of children. They have shared concerns about young children feeling fearful when in groups, as well as teenagers not spending enough time together,” he stated.

The current situation of isolation and social disconnection is causing concern as it highlights the fear that young individuals and their parents may experience long-lasting psychological damage after two years.

were issued during the Second World War.

Continuous warnings of air raids were issued throughout the duration of the Second World War.

The VOA reported that it is troubling for young individuals to have to abruptly stop what they are doing and seek shelter in an underground area when air raid alarms go off.

“I recently had a conversation with a 16-year-old girl who was wounded during the initial hour of the war two years ago. Despite the time that has passed, she still expressed her fear due to the constant air raids. She is aware that it only takes 45 seconds for most of the missiles or drones to reach their targets, leaving little time for air defenses to react,” he stated.

According to UNICEF, kids living in cities on the front lines have been compelled to stay in basements and underground Metro stations for 3,000 to 5,000 hours, which is equivalent to approximately four to seven months.

According to the agency, the current winter has been especially terrible for children. Due to rising attacks, numerous families are now living without heat, water, and electricity, forcing thousands of children to seek shelter in chilly, wet basements.

“According to a statement made on Friday by UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell, the ongoing shelling has greatly hindered the recovery process for children in Ukraine who have experienced distress and trauma due to the attacks.”

She stated that each siren and explosion adds to the already existing worry. Education is crucial for providing children with hope, opportunities, and a sense of stability. However, it remains interrupted or unattainable for numerous children in Ukraine.

by COVID-19

Families impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic

Based on a study by UNICEF, it was found that 50% of adolescents aged 13-15 have difficulty sleeping, and 1 in 5 experience intrusive thoughts and flashbacks, which are common symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. The data also reveals that parents experience high levels of anxiety, intense fear, phobias, and sadness. During a time when parental support is crucial, half of the surveyed parents admit to struggling to support their children.

Elder was worried that the ongoing war in Ukraine has taken away the childhood of its children for the past two years.

“The war continues to escalate,” he stated. “In certain regions, it has even worsened in the past month or two. This has resulted in children becoming increasingly withdrawn and crushed, diminishing their aspirations.”

He mentioned that an increasing number of children do not consider their future plans in six or twelve months. According to everyone he talks to, they tend to live in the present moment.

He stated that, according to a woman, our goal is to make it through the night and wake up in the morning.

Source: voanews.com