War in Ukraine
The war in Ukraine is ongoing and has become a defining reality for millions of people, especially young people. The conflict began in 2014 with the occupation of Crimea by Russia and the start of hostilities in eastern Ukraine. What started as an invasion has escalated into a full-scale war since February 2022, when Russia launched a large-scale military attack affecting the entire country. Since then, Ukraine has been under continuous attacks, including missile and drone strikes on cities and infrastructure. This is not a past event — it is a current, prolonged situation. Air raid sirens, safety risks, uncertainty, and disruption of daily life remain part of everyday experience.
What young people in Ukraine may experience:
Young people in Ukraine are growing up in conditions shaped by war. Their experiences may include:
* Loss of family members, friends, or community
* Loss of a sense of home, belonging, and stability
* Loss of meaning, future orientation, or life plans
* Forced displacement (often multiple times since 2014 and again after 2022)
* Living in different regions or countries, adapting to new environments
* Experience of living under occupation, including restrictions of freedom, pressure, and fear
* Exposure to human rights violations, including humiliation, loss of dignity, and risk of violence or torture
* Military service or direct involvement in defense efforts (personally or within their close circle)
* Interrupted education and limited access to stable learning conditions
* Constant exposure to stress, uncertainty, and safety threats
* Responsibility beyond their age (supporting family, volunteering, activism)
* Psychological impacts such as anxiety, grief, burnout, and symptoms of PTSD
* Emotional responses such as anger, numbness, confusion, or mixed emotional states
At the same time, many young people demonstrate strong resilience, agency, and engagement in their communities. Young people in Ukraine are actively responding to war — through volunteering, community initiatives, civic engagement, and advocacy, contributing to both immediate support efforts and long-term societal change.
Why this context matters for youth work
Working with young people from Ukraine — both inside the country and abroad — requires understanding that:
War is not a background context; it directly shapes identity, behavior, and needs
Experiences can vary greatly (frontline vs. relatively safer areas, displaced vs. non-displaced)
Trauma may be visible or invisible, immediate or delayed
There may be loss of community ties, trust, and sense of safety
Safety, trust, and predictability are essential conditions for participation
Young people may need both space for expression and the right not to share