Ukraine's Young Generation Lost in 'Eternal Lockdown': A Generation's Tragedy Unfolds

In the war-torn city of Balakliia, Ukraine, 15-year-old Bohdan Levchykov is one of the few teenagers left. His father, a career soldier, was killed defending the city just weeks after Russia invaded in 2022. Bohdan's mother, Iryna, was recently diagnosed with stage-three cancer of the uterus. The Levchykovs are not alone in their struggle; nearly 1 million young Ukrainians are still living in an 'eternal lockdown,' doing either all or part of their lessons online. This isolation is particularly felt in the Kharkiv region, which has been under constant Russian attacks. The region has seen over 843 educational establishments damaged or destroyed, a fifth of the national toll. As a result, many children have adapted to online schooling, with some attending underground schools in the city. Yevenhelina Tuturiko, a 14-year-old student, has been attending an underground school since September. Despite the challenges, she finds solace in being with her classmates. "I really love it because I can talk in person with my classmates again," she said. For others, like Kostiantyn Kosik, the war has taken a toll on their mental health. The 18-year-old has been on medication for his tics, faintness, and migraines, which he attributes to the constant stress and anxiety caused by the war. Researchers have found a significant decrease in the happiness and psychological wellbeing of young Ukrainians. However, they have also shown a high level of resilience to wartime adversity. Social Affairs Minister Denys Ulyutyn noted, "Children have lost their parents, their friends, and are sleeping in air raid shelters. And yet they continue to live, to dream.