Ukraine war:

“There is no everyday life on the front line”

An interview with Bernhard Stepanek from Hilfswerk International.(Bild: krone.tv )

Bernhard Stepanek from Hilfswerk International reports on his sobering experiences during his aid mission to the Ukrainian frontline areas. The aim was to help directly on the ground. Children and young people are particularly hard hit by the consequences of war. 

"It's unimaginable for us, but many Ukrainian ten-year-olds have never had a normal lesson in their entire lives. First there were years of coronavirus interruptions, and now the war has been going on for two years. It is dramatic how many mentally ill people there are in Ukraine," says Stepanek. 

Ten million people are said to be affected and in some cases traumatized - that's more people than Austria has a total population. Stepanek: "It's a matter of survival. Day after day. Where to get the next hot meal. Where to find protection from drones and air strikes. Where is the nearest bunker? People are constantly looking for places that offer protection. There is no everyday life on the front line."

Bernhard Stepanek from Hilfswerk International in an interview(Bild: krone.tv )

Here in Austria, we only know sirens from exercises on Saturday afternoons. In Ukraine, however, the wailing of sirens is not a test, but a real warning. Stepanek is thoughtful: "This constant tension turns you into something. But there is also a lack of many other things. You need a spark of warmth, food, drink and also psychological support."

It is incredible what women in Ukraine achieve. How they have to look after and protect their children. And worry about the men on the front line.