Psychologists warn: "Self-reproach, sleep disorders and exhaustion are the consequences"
Cologne/Kyiv. The energy infrastructure of the whole of Ukraine continues to be subject to targeted attacks by Russia. Almost all parts of the country are experiencing power cuts lasting several hours every day. Heating systems, water supplies, mobile phone networks and internet connections are severely affected, especially in the major cities. With temperatures below freezing, hundreds of thousands of people in the capital Kyiv alone are currently without electricity and heating.
Philipp Gliesche, programme manager for Malteser International in Ukraine, reports from Kiev: "Our psychologists warn that people's mental health is deteriorating. Stress, especially in the east of the country and the capital, is no longer perceived as an acute reaction to specific events, but as a permanent backdrop to daily life. The consequences are sleep disorders, rapid exhaustion and persistent anxiety. People feel overwhelmed by the increasing crises and cannot find peace. Many feel overwhelmed by the unrelenting crises and unable to find any sense of rest. Older people and those with disabilities are particularly vulnerable, as they often have no way to escape the situation," reports Gliesche. "Temperatures are expected to remain below zero until the end of January. We have been struggling with constant power cuts since October – but now, during the harshest phase of winter, being completely without heating intensifies the hopelessness many already feel," says Gliesche.
Malteser International provides psychosocial support in several regions of Ukraine and ensures that individuals and families have access to counselling and assistance. After almost four years of war, the psychological impact of repeated displacement, loss and ongoing uncertainty is immense. Since 2022, Malteser International has supported more than 100,000 people with psychosocial services.
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Philipp Gliesche, programme manager for Malteser International in Kyiv, is available for interviews and sound bites.
Contact: +49 (0)221 9822-7181, katharina.Kiecol@malteser-international.org
