Two years of the full-scale war in Ukraine

Children and their families in Ukraine have endured two years of violence, trauma, loss and displacement since the war escalated in February 2022

Bohdan, 11

Two years of destruction and displacement, violence, separation from family members and friends, loss of loved ones, and disrupted schooling, health care and social services have led to a mental health crisis and a learning crisis among Ukraine’s children.

Children in cities in Ukraine’s frontline areas have been forced to spend between 3,000 and 5,000 hours – equivalent to between four and almost 7 months – sheltering in basements and underground metro stations over the past two years, as air raid alerts sound above. 

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UNICEF

“The war in Ukraine has shattered childhoods and wreaked havoc on children’s mental health and ability to learn. Children have experienced two years of violence, isolation, separation from families, loss of loved ones, displacement and disrupted schooling and healthcare. They need this nightmare to end.” 

UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell

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Burning hometown

Families with children continue to flee frontline in Ukraine

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After two years of war, Bohdan laments lost childhood

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As attacks continue unabated, UNICEF continues to respond to the immediate humanitarian needs of children and families affected by war.

“Humanitarian principles, international humanitarian law and international human rights law must be respected. Children need a chance to recover, and the best way to do that is by ending this war”

UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell

Ukraine’s long-term recovery depends on the recovery of children who are affected by the war today.

It is our collective responsibility to ensure that Ukraine’s children continue to receive the support they need to reclaim their childhoods.