How the War in Ukraine is Affecting its Children

The war between Russia and Ukraine has been raging since February this year. It has claimed many lives and affected everyone in Ukraine, as well as those with Ukrainian family members elsewhere.

Ukraine used to be a part of the Soviet Union. Russia claims they invaded Ukraine as they knew Ukraine wanted to join NATO (the North Atlantic Treaty Organization). Russia wants to overthrow the government of Ukraine and make Ukraine a part of Russia once again. Russia has started the biggest war in Europe since World War II in order to “reclaim” Ukraine. 

With the war still going on, many people in the U.S. with family members in Ukraine have been aiding them as much as possible, but it’s not always easy for them to help. 

Russia’s invasion has also affected the children of Ukraine. Previously, their lives were normal. They were able to socialize, younger children were able to let their minds roam freely, they had their parents and family, and they were able to go to school. 

After the war began, many things were taken away. Their lives changed completely. Children whose parents were enlisted in the war had to take care of their younger siblings, unaware if their parents would ever return to them alive. Every man is required to fight, automatically leaving children without their fathers. The children had to abandon the idea of going to school, and learn to step up for their country and survive. In a world of constant fear, they face the threat of being abducted by the Russian army. 

Tatyana Dumay, a Ukrainian American, has been emotionally affected by this war. Her niece, brother, and extended family live in Ukraine. Like other young kids her age, Dumay’s niece used to have a normal lifestyle. With the war, her life abruptly changed. Her niece's apartment has been damaged, and her preschool completely destroyed. The destruction of her niece’s preschool has made it difficult for her to learn during this scary time. 

Dumay said, “Some kids left the country while others were able to move to another part of the country, but when they came back, some had no home to come back to.” 

Dumay said, “The kids are experiencing bombing day and night. The place that was supposed to be a safe place for the kids is now no longer safe.The kids either do not have a home, or their home is barely intact. The Azovstal kids (in Mariupol) lived underground for 70 days without fresh air and barely any sunlight, with minimal food and little water supply,”

It’s not only adults who have lost their lives to this war. “The statistics today show that over 370 children in Ukraine have been killed; either by bombing or through torture by Russian soldiers. Over 700 children have been injured,” Dumay said. 

Some of the children are abducted by Russian soldiers and are taken to Russia. As a result, these young children will never learn their own cultural identities. 

“They will not know their language or background at all and be forced to suppress their identities, and follow Russian culture instead,” said Dumay.