Toronto, ON, February 24, 2026 – Four years into the full-scale war in Ukraine, humanitarian organization Plan International is issuing an urgent warning that without sustained investment in mental health and psychosocial support, an entire generation of Ukrainian children risks growing up with long-term mental scars that will impact the country's future for decades to come.

Ukrainian children have spent up to 5,000 hours sheltering underground – equivalent to nearly seven months of their lives. One in three children now reports that school exams are more stressful than air-raid sirens, highlighting how deeply the conflict has reshaped their sense of what is normal.

“All children in Ukraine share this experience of sleeping in bomb shelters, living without in-person education or electricity. They have lost any sense of basic safety,” said Sven Coppens, Ukraine Humanitarian Response Director at Plan International.

“Humanitarian emergencies are usually measured in weeks or months. After four years of war, this has become a long-term crisis, and the response is now about preventing irreversible harm to an entire generation.”

Many children have been forced to flee their homes multiple times, losing the familiar spaces of comfort such as their bedrooms, playgrounds, and classrooms. For long stretches, schooling has taken place online, depriving them of the safe environments where they learn, socialize, and build friendships.

On top of these losses, many also endure separation from family members serving in the armed forces. One in three children have experienced a close friend or family member killed or injured.

“This has enormous consequences on children’s mental health,” said Tetiana Zaiets, Protection Specialist with Plan International in Ukraine. “Living under constant fear affects how children speak, learn and relate to others. This is not just stress. We’re talking about profound distress, with long-lasting consequences.”

The psychological toll is manifesting in multiple ways: persistent fear and nightmares, increased aggression, social withdrawal, and severe difficulties concentrating. Mental health specialists working with Plan International are reporting alarming increases in memory and speech impairments, particularly among children living near epicentres of drone and missile strikes.

In families forced to flee their homes, parents often spend long hours trying to provide for their households, leaving less time for quality time with their children.

Adolescents are particularly affected by the crisis. They face deep anxiety about both their immediate safety and their future, with limited spaces to socialize or express themselves. Deeply entrenched gender norms make it particularly difficult for boys to talk openly about their feelings.

If children’s mental health needs are not addressed, they risk growing up with profound distress, performing poorly in school or turning to negative coping mechanisms such as using drugs, alcohol or adopting risky behaviours.

The war’s impact extends to families and caregivers, who also face stress, exhaustion, and uncertainty. “If caregivers are overwhelmed, children feel it immediately,” said Coppens. “But when caregivers are supported and resilient, children often mirror that resilience. This is why we made mental health and psychosocial support our priority.”

Working closely with partners, Plan International is responding to the crisis with initiatives like child-friendly spaces in rehabilitated bomb shelters, where children can safely learn, play, and regain a sense of normalcy. Parenting support sessions help caregivers communicate better with children, manage stress, and prevent burnout. Parents have reported noticeable improvements: their children are happier, more confident, and able to speak fluently. These spaces also allow parents to connect with one another, creating support networks that benefit entire families and communities.

Parents have reported noticeable improvements: their children are happier, more confident, and able to speak fluently. These spaces also allow parents to connect with one another, creating support networks that benefit entire families and communities.

However, the scale of need far exceeds available resources. Of the 10.8 million people in Ukraine currently requiring humanitarian assistance, funding cuts and difficulty reaching populations near frontlines mean only one third (3.6 million people) can currently be supported.

"If we fail to address these needs now, we risk losing an entire generation. Invisible psychological scars risk limiting young people’s ability to contribute fully to society,” said Coppens. "We call on the international community to continue supporting the humanitarian response in Ukraine and prioritize long-term investment in education, mental health and psychosocial services – so Ukraine's children can say, “the world stood by us and we healed."

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Explore a youth-led photo essay from Ukraine, alongside updates on how Plan International continues to support children after four years of war.

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As the crisis continues, sustained support for children, especially girls, is critical. Donate to our Children in Crisis Response Fund.

About Plan International Canada

Plan International Canada is a member of a global organization dedicated to advancing children’s rights and equality for girls. Plan International has been building powerful partnerships for children for over 85 years and is now active in more than 80 countries.

We stand with children, especially girls, wherever they are oppressed, exploited, left behind or not equally valued. We’re determined optimists and will continue to persevere until we are all equal.

Visit plancanada.ca for more information.

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