Ukraine’s War: A Fifth Year of Devastation and the Strain on Healthcare

As Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine enters its fifth year on February 24, 2026, the conflict has evolved into a brutal war of attrition marked by extensive damage to infrastructure and a growing humanitarian crisis. Beyond the immediate loss of life, the war is inflicting lasting physical and psychological wounds on the Ukrainian population, overwhelming the nation’s healthcare system.

The Escalating Human Cost

The past year has been the deadliest of the war for Ukrainian civilians, with 2,514 people killed and over 12,000 injured in 2025, a 30% increase from 2024 and a 70% increase from 2023 [PBS Frontline]. These casualties are not limited to the front lines; long-range attacks are increasingly impacting civilian areas, hitting residential buildings, hospitals, and critical infrastructure like power substations. Ukraine has responded with drone and missile strikes targeting Russian assets, including ports and oil facilities.

A Healthcare System Under Pressure

The influx of war-related injuries is placing immense strain on Ukraine’s healthcare system. Many patients near the front lines experience significant delays in receiving medical attention, sometimes waiting days to reach qualified care. This delay often leads to prolonged bed rest, muscle wasting, and chronic pain. The types of injuries sustained are severe, frequently involving amputations and complex fractures requiring multiple surgeries.

Yngvild Breivik, medical coordinator for Doctors Without Borders (MSF) in Ukraine, emphasizes the critical need for early rehabilitation. Without timely physiotherapy and psychological support, patients risk a lifetime of pain and disability. The psychological burden on the population is likewise growing, with many survivors experiencing trauma from horrific events.

The Role of Organizations Like Doctors Without Borders

Organizations like MSF are working to address the healthcare crisis by providing ambulance services, surgical care, mobile health clinics, and training in early rehabilitation. MSF teams work alongside local healthcare personnel, focusing on strengthening systems and ensuring that more patients receive the necessary care. A key focus is on influencing healthcare systems to address gaps in service delivery and provide sustainable solutions.

A Story of Resilience: Tamara’s Journey

The story of 82-year-old Tamara illustrates the impact of early intervention. Injured by an explosion in Pokrovsk, she suffered a broken hip and arm, along with extensive soft tissue damage. After days of pain and delayed access to care, she received treatment at a hospital in Dnipro. Through physiotherapy and psychological support, Tamara regained lung capacity, improved her mobility, and began to look forward again. Her case highlights how timely rehabilitation can be transformative.

Challenges and the Path Forward

Despite the efforts of organizations like MSF, significant challenges remain. Hospitals are overwhelmed, operating theaters are continuously running, and there is a severe shortage of physiotherapists – approximately 70% below the European average [PBS Frontline]. Millions have been displaced, and the needs are enormous. Yet, the dedication of healthcare professionals and the provision of timely, holistic treatment offer hope for a future where Ukrainians can rebuild their lives, even after the devastation of war.

Key Takeaways

• The Russia-Ukraine war is entering its fifth year with a continued high human cost, particularly for civilians.
• Ukraine’s healthcare system is severely strained by the influx of war-related injuries and the need for long-term rehabilitation.
• Early rehabilitation and psychological support are crucial for preventing chronic disabilities and improving the quality of life for survivors.
• Organizations like Doctors Without Borders are playing a vital role in providing medical care and strengthening Ukraine’s healthcare infrastructure.