Cold as a new weapon: Ukraine in the siege of horror!

Cold as a new weapon: Ukraine in the siege of horror!

Laimgrubengasse 10, 1060 Wien, Österreich - Today, Russia's attack on Ukraine marks the third time, and the humanitarian situation remains more than dramatic. According to Caritas Austria, impressive 12.7 million people are dependent on humanitarian aid. Almost 7 million people were driven out of the country, and 3.7 million had to flee within Ukraine. Nora Tödtling Musenbichler, President of Caritas, describes the excruciating conditions: "The unimaginable has become everyday life of millions: constant aerial arms and fear of further attacks." Children who are traumatized by constant horror experiences are particularly affected. Around 86,000 refugees in Austria are currently living in Austria, while cold and warlike arguments shape everyday life on site, as is emphasized by the "star singers".

The consequences of the war on children

The burden that the war brings with it has devastating consequences for the young generations. Since the beginning of the war alone, more than 3,600 educational institutions have been attacked, and many schools have been closed because safe shelters are missing. A total of 70 percent of the children cannot take part in regular lessons, and this not only makes access to education difficult, but also prevents the children from growing up carefree. Klemens Büscher from the children's mission warns: "Many children not only suffer physically, but above all mentally, have anxiety and develop depression." An autumn camp organized by Caritas-Spes should offer the children an urgently needed break from the stressful everyday life.

The need for psychosocial support is more urgent than ever. The children's mission has provided around five million euros for helpful projects in Ukraine since the start of the war, as Olena Voichyk, project manager of Caritas-Spes, noted. The aid projects offer safe retreat and holiday camps for children who grew up in the war and long for peace. "The children want the war to end and they can live more safely," said Voichyk. Without a doubt, the situation in Ukraine itself and for refugee people in Austria is worrying, and committed support from all relevant institutions is still required to help the affected people as well as required by Caritas.

Caritas has massively expanded its offers of help since the beginning of the war and supports millions of people in the region with food, medical care and psychosocial programs. It is clear that the population of Ukraine not only needs material, but above all emotional and psychological help, so that solidarity and help remain essential.