A recent study has found that approximately one-third of Ukrainian civilians display symptoms consistent with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex PTSD. The research, conducted by Gwendolyn Sasse and Deirdre MacManus, assessed the level of trauma in Ukraine and revealed that many civilians have been affected by the ongoing conflict. The study's findings highlight the significant impact of the war on the mental health of Ukrainian people.
The conflict in Ukraine has been ongoing for over four and a half years, with eastern parts of the country experiencing conflict since 2014. The Russian president, Vladimir Putin, has signed off on a defence budget of 17 trillion roubles for the next year, which is likely to further exacerbate the situation. The Ukrainian people have been living in a state of full-scale war, and the news of the increased defence budget will likely hit morale.
The study found that over 71% of respondents reported that their neighbourhood had been hit by shelling, while 44.5% had either lost or had a loved one seriously injured as a result of the conflict. Nearly 33% of respondents had either been displaced from their home or had their loved ones displaced as a result of the war. These statistics demonstrate the significant trauma experienced by Ukrainian civilians.
Russia has recently begun using a new class of jet-powered drones, known as the Geran-5, which are proving difficult to defend against. The drones can go higher, further, and faster than previously used drones, and Ukraine's air force is only intercepting about 60% of attacks. This development is likely to worsen the situation for Ukrainian civilians.
The US president, Joe Biden, and former president, Donald Trump, have both attempted to dictate how Ukraine defends itself against Russian aggression. Trump reportedly urged Volodymyr Zelensky to stop targeting Russian oil facilities, citing concerns about oil prices. Zelensky responded that any concessions must be mutual, and Russia must agree not to target Ukraine's energy infrastructure.
The US has recently completed its withdrawal from Iraq after 23 years. The withdrawal was supposed to coincide with the deadline for the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) and other armed factions to be brought under state control. However, the PMF's links with Iran make it uncertain whether they will be brought under Iraqi control. The US withdrawal is seen as a bonus for Iran, which has cultivated networks of influence inside Iraq.
European defence ministers have discussed collective response to Russian aggression, including the use of hybrid warfare. The Baltic states have been experiencing hybrid warfare for decades and are working to develop countermeasures. Expert Alex Hardy is working with the Estonian government to develop ways to counter this strategy, which includes sabotage, disinformation, and cyberwarfare.
Key points
- Researchers estimate that one-third of Ukrainian civilians display symptoms consistent with PTSD and complex PTSD.
- Russia's new Geran-5 drones are proving difficult to defend against, intercepting only 60% of attacks.
- The US withdrawal from Iraq is seen as a bonus for Iran, which has cultivated networks of influence inside the country.
