365 days of war for children in Ukraine
Despite a year of violence and devastation, Ukraine’s children have shown extraordinary resilience.
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The children of Ukraine have now endured 365 days of violence, trauma, loss, destruction and displacement since the war escalated in February 2022. Millions of children have been robbed of birthday celebrations, school memories, time with friends and family. They have lost their homes, schools, and playgrounds.
The war is robbing children in Ukraine of their childhoods.
“Children in Ukraine have experienced a year of horror. Children have been killed and injured, and many have lost parents and siblings, their homes, schools and playgrounds. No child should ever have to bear that kind of suffering.”
- UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell
Despite experiencing the horrors of war, children in Ukraine have also shown tremendous resilience. They have supported their own families, peers and communities despite challenging situations. They have inspired many with their strength.
"I wanted to cry, but I realized I didn't have time for that, because I had to calm down my mom and younger brother.”
“In times of war, it is everyone’s duty to help those in need.”
– Ivan
“When I decided to volunteer, I was driven by the desire to help those who lost everything in Mariupol. To make them feel that they are needed, so that they are not left alone, even in a foreign city. So that they are not left alone with the war and its hardships.”
“Please do not be afraid. Be brave, wise and happy. Peace is in our hands.”
UNICEF has been in Ukraine even before the war escalated. In the 365 days since, we have stayed and delivered life-saving support to children and families in Ukraine. UNICEF works with national and local authorities, as well as civil society organizations, to deliver much-needed emergency assistance and support services to families.
Learn how UNICEF support has impacted the lives of children, youth and families in Ukraine:
The children of Ukraine have been through so much in the last 365 days. And while the children and families in Ukraine have shown tremendous resilience, the mental wounds of this war could scar them for life. One year into this war, children continue to cope with fear, anxiety and grief associated with loss of loved ones, separation from family, forced displacement from their homes, isolation, and complete upheaval of their childhoods.
We stand with the children of Ukraine. As the war continues, UNICEF continues to work with partners to support the needs of children and young people, especially the most vulnerable ones.
This war has already robbed Ukraine’s children of one year of their life.
We cannot let this war rob them also of their future.
Children of Ukraine need peace, now