‘They continue to live, to dream’: Ukraine’s lost generation trapped in ‘eternal lockdown’

Kyiv: In Kharkiv and surrounding regions, young Ukrainians are navigating life under constant threat from war and its aftermath. Many children like 15-year-old Bohdan Levchykov have lost family members and normal childhood experiences.

Schools remain online or underground, while air raid alerts punctuate daily life. Despite challenges, children show resilience, finding ways to connect, study, and even play sports cautiously. Psychologists warn of increased stress, anxiety, and self-harm, but government initiatives such as resilience centres and trained mental health professionals aim to provide support. “Children have lost their parents, their friends and are sleeping in air raid shelters. And yet they continue to live, to dream,” says Social Affairs Minister Denys Ulyutyn.

Nearly a million young Ukrainians are caught in what locals call an “eternal lockdown,” first from the Covid-19 pandemic and now from the ongoing Russian invasion. Towns like Balakliia, once bustling, remain sparsely populated, with children’s playgrounds and leisure spaces still unsafe. Teenagers like Bohdan navigate online schooling while caring for ill family members, and underground schools in Kharkiv have been established to provide safe in-person education.

The war has profoundly affected the mental health of youth. Psychologists report rising cases of anxiety, fear, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts. The Ukrainian government has responded by training health professionals in mental health care and establishing hundreds of resilience centres for children and parents.

Outdoor activities are limited due to safety concerns, but coaches and educators strive to maintain a sense of normalcy. Swimming pools, sports fields, and therapy centres are adapted to provide safe spaces for recreation and healing. Despite the hardships, studies by WHO and UNICEF show that Ukrainian children display notable resilience, finding ways to pursue education, friendships, and even dreams of a future beyond the conflict.

Teenagers like 18-year-old Illia Issaiev embrace nationalistic pride and skill-building, while others like Kostiantyn Kosik struggle with the lasting physical and emotional toll of war. Across Ukraine, young people continue to adapt, holding onto hope amid ongoing conflict and disruption.
(With AFP inputs)