Social and Healthcare Impacts of the Russian-Led Hybrid War in Ukraine – A Conflict With Unique Global Consequences

Abstract

Russia’s fear of Ukraine becoming a member of the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization catalyzed the current conflict in Ukraine. The invasion also alarmed other countries, such as Finland and Sweden, who have themselves considered a formal partnership with NATO. Russia’s actions to date have created massive instability and political tensions that uniquely influence the health and socio-political life of civilians in Ukraine and the entire region. The direct and indirect threats of war “gone regional,” “global”, or “nuclear” have energized these countries and their historical alliances to reassess their own socio-political, environmental, and health-care consequences. All countries of the region have clear histories of forced occupation and decades of threats resulting from World War II and its aftermath. The purpose of this rapid communication is 2-fold. First, it discusses the socio-political and health-care consequences of the ongoing Ukrainian conflict in Finland, Russia, Sweden, Poland, and Ukraine. Second, it clarifies the most essential elements of the Hybrid War which cause uniquely distinctive violations of humanitarian laws, treaties, and conventions.

Public Health Responses to CBRN Terrorism in the Middle East and North Africa

“…29,30 On the often-overlooked psychological front, the traumatic nature of CBRN incidents necessitates the establishment of robust psychosocial support systems. 31,32 This should be realized in the form of therapy, counselling, and community-based rehabilitation programs; all designed to expedite the recovery process for victims and the broader community.…”

Ukraine’s Healthcare Crisis: Sustainable Strategies for Navigating Conflict and Rebuilding for a Resilient Future

“…Since the onset of the conflict in 2014, the Ministry of Health of Ukraine prioritized the restoration of medical services for the population, particularly emphasizing internally displaced persons and ensuring employment for health professionals. Despite the immense challenges, over 122 medical facilities have fully resumed operation, and an additional 260 have been partially renewed, according to data from the Ministry of Health of Ukraine as of January 2023 [11,20,21].…”

“…According to data from the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, as of January 2023, during the period of martial law (November to December 2022), Ukraine received 10,500 tonnes of medical humanitarian aid worth approximately USD 350 million, consisting of, among other things, medicines, medical devices, especially medical apparatus, both new and used, together with consumables, sanitary transport, medical furniture, mobile hospitals, and power generators. In addition, Ukraine's foreign partners co-organized approximately 2100 training courses on tactical and emergency medicine and other healthcare issues for Ukrainian medics in 2022 [20,21].…”

“…By 30 January 2023, the Ministry of Health of Ukraine account via the fundraising platform received approximately USD 30 million. More than 9000 pieces of medical and other equipment and means of transport were purchased with the raised funds [20,21].…”

“…In response to increasing reports of post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health issues among displaced persons and those living in conflict-affected regions, new initiatives have been launched to expand mental health services. This includes setting up mobile mental health clinics, recruiting and training of additional mental health professionals, and partnering with international agencies to implement evidence-based trauma response programs [20,21].…”