On February 24, 2022, Russia initiated a comprehensive invasion of Ukraine, an act deemed a breach of the UN Charter and international law. Since that date, over 15,000 civilians have lost their lives, with total damages estimated to exceed $195 billion. “This devastating war is a stain on our collective consciousness and remains a threat to regional and international peace and security,” stated UN Secretary-General António Guterres in remarks made just prior to the somber anniversary. He cautioned that “the longer the war endures, the deadlier it becomes,” emphasizing that “civilians bear the brunt of this conflict.” In the past year alone, 2,514 individuals were killed, marking the highest toll to date, which he described as “simply unacceptable.” The ongoing conflict has inflicted relentless suffering on the population. While older generations recall the fierce battles along the eastern front during World War II over 80 years ago, the current warfare has now surpassed the duration of what the Soviets termed the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945.
The tragedy unfolding in Ukraine is complex and multifaceted, revealing countless individual stories of loss and hardship. Some families mourn the deaths of loved ones, while others have seen their homes reduced to rubble. Many who have fled the country find themselves unable to return due to the persistent military actions.
In Kherson, a regional capital that has changed hands twice during the conflict, air raid sirens blare almost daily, warning residents of impending shelling. Schools and kindergartens remain closed, prompting parents to take their children to underground shelters to learn, play, or seek warmth during the frigid winter months. Victoria and her five-year-old daughter Myroslava attend one such center daily. The young mother has attempted to leave Kherson for nearby Mykolaiv on two occasions but returned, believing that “it’s still easier at home, despite all the difficulties.” Victoria works part-time online and benefits from social assistance; her husband is also employed. Humanitarian organizations are providing vital supplies to the family. “It’s very helpful, and I’m grateful for the support,” she expressed. However, she voiced her frustration with politicians, saying, “Nobody wants to end the war; they are not interested in it.” Victoria’s ultimate hope is for a peaceful future for her daughter, envisioning a day when “if anything explodes, it won’t be bombs, but fireworks.”
As the central heating in Kherson barely functions, Victoria’s family relies on a space heater to cope with the bitter cold. “But it’s barely warm,” she lamented. The deep freeze is widespread, with this winter proving especially harsh for Ukraine. Temperatures are plummeting below minus 20 degrees Celsius, and Russian assaults on energy infrastructure have left hundreds of thousands without heat and power. Residents in frontline areas report chronic shortages of generators and repair materials. “Children can’t leave their apartments,” said Kenan Madi, head of field operations for UNICEF in Ukraine. “But even inside, the temperature can drop to two or three degrees, with no heating. This poses severe risks to their health.”
The grim statistics surrounding the conflict are equally concerning. As of this month, the UN human rights office (OHCHR) has confirmed 55,550 civilian casualties, including 15,378 deaths. The actual numbers may be significantly higher, as access to many frontline and occupied regions has been repeatedly restricted. The situation for children is particularly alarming, with UNICEF reporting that over 3,200 children have been killed or injured since February 2022. The number of child casualties has risen by 10 percent in 2025 compared to the previous year, marking the third consecutive year of increased child victimization due to the Russian invasion. Additionally, approximately 3.7 million Ukrainians are displaced within the country. While more than 4.4 million individuals who fled their homes have returned, including over a million from abroad, 372,000 individuals remain internally displaced. As the fourth anniversary of the war approaches, the UN rights chief reiterated that attacks on civilian infrastructure are violations of international humanitarian law. “I call on the Russian Federation to immediately cease these attacks,” urged Volker Türk, following extensive strikes last week on energy facilities in various locations.
Extended power outages pose a serious threat to Ukraine’s most vulnerable populations, including the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and those suffering from chronic illnesses. The psychosocial effects of the energy crisis are equally dire; darkness, isolation, and ongoing uncertainty wear down even the most resilient individuals. “Is this life? It can’t be called life when there’s shooting every day,” expressed 80-year-old Elena, who frequently visits the UN humanitarian hub in Kherson for assistance. “A year ago, I buried my son and his wife. The house is destroyed, everything is broken. What kind of life is this?” Elena noted that many would not have survived without humanitarian aid: “The pension is small. What are we supposed to live on? My son is gone, the others have left…They even give us lunches. They give us bread, they give us medicine. God bless them for helping!”
Matthias Schmale, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Ukraine, has been traveling extensively throughout the country. He noted a growing sense of fatigue among the population, which he finds understandable given the circumstances. He has encountered individuals who, despite their exhaustion, refuse to succumb to despair. “Let’s honor this strength,” he stated. Mr. Schmale emphasized that the most critical goal is for this year to bring peace and an end to the suffering of the Ukrainian people. “We want to see the fifth year of war usher in a ceasefire and lasting peace with dignity,” he asserted.
