War and Resilience: The Struggle for Life in Ukraine Amidst Conflict

Four years ago, Russian troops were positioned just a few kilometers from the Leleka maternity hospital in Pushcha-Vodytsia, a snowy health resort surrounded by a pine forest and a lake. Vladimir Putin's ambitious plan to conquer Ukraine, aiming to absorb it into a new Russian empire, was unfolding nearby. The Kremlin expected a swift victory to topple President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s pro-Western government, but to their surprise, Ukraine fought back fiercely. A Russian armored column was destroyed in Bucha, marking the beginning of a prolonged struggle for the nation. As Russian forces retreated from the Kyiv region in March 2022, they left behind a tragic legacy—the bodies of hundreds of civilians who fell victim to their aggression, including families gunned down while attempting to escape. Today, the Leleka maternity hospital has resumed its primary function, helping to bring new life into the world amidst ongoing warfare. Meanwhile, the war rages on, with Putin seemingly looking to the White House and Donald Trump for a victory that has proven elusive on the battlefield. In Eastern Ukraine, Russian forces continue to advance, albeit at a steep cost. Reports indicate that in January alone, 35,000 Russian soldiers were killed or injured. Currently, around 20% of Ukraine, including Crimea, is under Russian occupation. Despite the immense toll of the conflict, which has resulted in 1.2 million casualties on both sides, there is a sense of resilience among the Ukrainian people. Valeriia Ivashchenko, who gave birth at Leleka, expresses her belief that Ukraine will ultimately prevail, stating, "I don’t believe Ukraine will lose. This is my internal feeling; Russia won’t defeat us." The human cost of the conflict has dramatically affected Ukraine's demographics. The ongoing war has led to an alarming decline in birthrates, with the country experiencing one of the lowest in the world—approximately one birth for every three deaths. In 2020, Leleka reported 2,300 deliveries, but that number plummeted to 868 in 2022 and slightly increased to 952 in 2023. Dr. Valerii Zukin, the hospital’s chief executive, lamented the steep decline, stating that the maternity ward should be a place filled with joyous emotions, not overshadowed by the tragedies of war. Mothers like Ivanna Didur are choosing to stay in Kyiv and even see having a child during wartime as a patriotic act. "We are not leaving unless Russia is on our doorstep," she asserts, while noting the challenges of raising children in an environment riddled with security uncertainties. Many families strive to maintain a semblance of normalcy, engaging in activities like acrobatics and football for their children, amidst constant threats from enemy drones and missiles. Ukraine's population, previously around 41 million, has dropped to an estimated 30-32 million, excluding citizens living under Russian occupation. The impact of the ongoing conflict continues to burden families financially, complicating their decisions surrounding having more children. To address this demographic crisis, the Ukrainian parliament has increased benefits for new mothers and introduced monthly subsidies, hoping to entice families to have more children amid such dire circumstances. For those who have sought refuge abroad, life remains challenging. Many face difficulties in adapting and feel diminished social status as refugees, while pulling from their networks back home. Ivashchenko expresses that the outcome of this war will shape not only Ukraine's future but also the future of Europe. She underscores that she does not view this as merely a conflict between Russia and Ukraine, but as an assault on the foundational values of democratic society. Despite the overwhelming challenges, the war has galvanized a sense of unity among Ukrainians, instilling pride in their identity and resilience against oppression. As the conflict continues with no end in sight, the determination of Ukrainians to survive and thrive persists. They strive to give their children hope for a future free from war, illustrating the remarkable strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2