Whether through rebuilding destroyed communities, addressing the mental health crisis, or ensuring humanitarian access, the UN remains committed to standing with the people of Ukraine — through war, through peace, and beyond.

As Ukraine enters the third year of the full-scale Russian invasion, the spectre of a potential ceasefire looms large over the war-torn country. Diplomatic efforts have intensified, raising hopes for an end to hostilities, yet the reality on the ground remains dire. For millions of Ukrainians, daily air strikes and attacks on civilian infrastructure have become the new normal, displacing families and leaving communities in devastation. Amidst this uncertainty, the United Nations (UN) continues its unwavering support, providing emergency aid, medical assistance, and infrastructure recovery while preparing for the country’s post-war future.

The Human Cost of War

The toll of the conflict has been staggering. Since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022, over 12,600 civilians have lost their lives, with more than 29,000 injured. Ukrainian towns and cities have been ravaged, with thousands of attacks targeting hospitals, schools, and energy facilities. As a result, more than 10 million people have been uprooted from their homes, marking Europe’s largest displacement crisis since World War II.

For children in Ukraine, war is the only reality they have ever known. As Matthias Schmale, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Ukraine, pointed out, “All children up to the age of 11 have never experienced their country at peace.” The psychological scars run deep, as families endure ongoing displacement, destruction, and uncertainty about their futures.

Despite the overwhelming challenges, the UN has remained a constant presence, working tirelessly to support those affected by the war. The World Health Organization (WHO) has reopened and rebuilt primary healthcare centers along the frontline, ensuring that medical services reach those in need. The UN Development Programme (UNDP) has played a critical role in restoring energy facilities, preventing even more hardship during Ukraine’s harsh winters.

The UN has also established more than 80 “safe spaces” for vulnerable individuals, including survivors of gender-based violence and displaced children. These spaces offer psychological support and a sense of community for those grappling with the mental and emotional burdens of war.

Anticipating Post-War Challenges

As the likelihood of a ceasefire increases, the UN is preparing for the complex challenges that will arise in its aftermath. One pressing concern is the reintegration of war veterans. “Around a million people are involved in the fighting,” Schmale noted. “Hundreds of thousands will return traumatized from the frontline after two to three years away from their families.” These psychological wounds could manifest in increased social tensions and a rise in domestic violence.

In response, the UN has developed a digital app specifically for veterans, offering them access to critical services. Additionally, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has collaborated with the Ukrainian government to launch an online platform providing returning refugees with essential information on housing and employment opportunities.

The Ever-Present Nuclear Threat

One of the most unpredictable aspects of the ceasefire negotiations is the fate of Ukrainians living in the occupied regions of the east and south. Approximately one million people reside in these areas, and their future remains uncertain. Key questions linger: Will these territories be demilitarized? Will international peacekeeping forces be deployed to maintain stability? And most importantly, will humanitarian aid be allowed to reach these vulnerable populations?

While hopes for peace persist, so do fears of escalation. Ukraine’s nuclear power plants remain a critical concern. On February 15, the UN’s International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported that a drone strike had breached a containment structure designed to prevent radioactive leakage from the Chernobyl reactor. Though radiation levels remained unchanged, the incident underscored the persistent danger of nuclear catastrophe.

Women on the Frontlines of Survival

While much attention is given to soldiers on the battlefield, women across Ukraine are shouldering the burden of survival in extraordinary ways. According to UN Women Geneva Director Sofia Calltorp, “Beyond the battlefield, another story is unfolding—one of women and girls bearing the brunt of this war.” Women comprise the majority of displaced persons, with 6.7 million in need of life-saving humanitarian assistance. Many have become the sole providers for their families, navigating war-ravaged landscapes while ensuring their children’s survival.

Despite the UN’s critical work in Ukraine, financial constraints threaten its ability to deliver aid. The U.S. funding freeze has raised concerns about the availability of resources. “Last year, U.S. funding made up 30 per cent of what we spent on the humanitarian side and 10 per cent on the development side,” Schmale explained. With no certainty about when or if funds will resume flowing, aid organizations are grappling with the potential impact on their operations.

The Psychological Toll of War

The mental health crisis in Ukraine is profound. The constant presence of air raid sirens, drone strikes, and missile attacks has left millions in a state of chronic fear and anxiety. WHO officials have described the plight of Ukrainian civilians, particularly mothers, who must navigate daily life under the shadow of war. “Imagine a young mother in the Kharkiv region,” a WHO representative stated. “Her days are interrupted by air raid sirens, and her nights are haunted by drones. Each day is a struggle to balance her children’s safety with their growing anxiety.”

A Call for Sustainable Peace

The UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission (HRMMU) has documented over 12,654 civilian deaths and nearly 30,000 injuries since the full-scale invasion. Shockingly, 84 per cent of these casualties have occurred in Ukrainian government-controlled territory, underscoring the disproportionate impact of Russia’s ongoing attacks. Schools, hospitals, and critical infrastructure have been devastated, leaving Ukraine’s civilian population in an unending state of crisis.

As the third year of war unfolds, the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine remains one of the most pressing global emergencies. The need for sustainable peace cannot be overstated. Danielle Bell, Chief of HRMMU, emphasised that “As the civilian toll grows heavier, the human rights of all those affected must remain at the forefront of any negotiations for sustainable peace.”

For now, the UN continues to prepare for multiple scenarios, recognizing that while peace is on the horizon, the road to recovery will be long and fraught with challenges. Whether through rebuilding destroyed communities, addressing the mental health crisis, or ensuring humanitarian access, the UN remains committed to standing with the people of Ukraine — through war, through peace, and beyond.