Archbishop Visvaldas Kulbokas, the Apostolic Nuncio to Ukraine, has warned of a deepening crisis of psychological and physical exhaustion among the Ukrainian population as the conflict enters its fifth year.
In a recent discussion with the international aid organization Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), the Holy See’s ambassador described the current situation within the country as “very challenging.” He noted that after more than four years of sustained warfare, the cumulative toll of long-term stress is becoming increasingly evident across society.
The Nuncio highlighted a pervasive state of psychological burnout, driven largely by sleep deprivation resulting from frequent nightly attacks. Despite these pressures, Kulbokas observed that many families are struggling to maintain a semblance of normalcy under extreme conditions. This struggle was particularly acute during the recent winter months, when many households were left without electricity or heating.
While humanitarian organizations have stepped in to provide essential equipment such as cooking appliances and generators, the ambassador emphasized that the demand for such aid remains high. The ongoing humanitarian strain underscores the fragility of basic infrastructure in a prolonged conflict zone.
The situation is most dire in regions near the front lines, where daily life is defined by constant fear and instability. According to Kulbokas, the threat of landmines and drone strikes has severely restricted freedom of movement, forcing residents to limit their travel to specific times of the day. Access to essential services, including medical care, food, and water, remains problematic in many areas.
Children have been among the hardest hit by the instability. In several regions, basic education continues to be conducted in underground bunkers to protect students from aerial threats. This disruption of childhood and education points to the long-term societal scarring caused by the war.
The conflict has also triggered significant demographic shifts. The Nuncio noted that displacement has fundamentally altered the makeup of various cities and communities, with some areas experiencing severe population loss while others struggle to integrate a large influx of internally displaced persons.
Amidst the hardship, Archbishop Kulbokas reported a growing trend of individuals seeking spiritual orientation and faith as a means of coping with the trauma of war. This development suggests a widespread search for meaning and resilience in the face of prolonged national crisis.
