In War, Children Suffer First and Suffer Most. 

Ukraine’s children are paying an extraordinary price throughout this war. For those who have survived so far, they live in terror every day. 

On the 8th July 2024, children were once again attacked. This time it was whilst they were receiving treatment at a children’s hospital in Kyiv. Those who have been lucky enough to survive will have nightmares as they relive the horrors of this horrific attack. 

As the war in Ukraine continues, more and more traumatised children are in urgent need of psychosocial support. Younger children who have started wetting the bed or sadly self-harming, urgently need play and art therapy to help process and deal with their trauma.  

In May 2024 alone, UNICEF reached 30,000 traumatised children with psychosocial support. But whilst the war rages on and attacks like the one on the children’s hospital continue, more and more children will need life-saving psychosocial support. 

Seven-year-old Hlib at an art therapy session run by the mobile team specialists from UNICEF.

2.9 million children in Ukraine need support. 

“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.” said Catherine Russell, UNICEF Executive Director. 

The war in Ukraine has decimated infrastructure, livelihoods, and essential services. With no income, many families are struggling to survive. UNICEF is providing vital cash transfers to families in desperate need. With this money they are able to buy essential food and water their children need.   

UNICEF is working around the clock to provide the life-saving assistance children in Ukraine need, but we can’t do this without your help.