Children in Ukraine live each day with the sound of air raid sirens, sleepless nights, and the constant fear or grief of losing loved ones. They carry the heavy burden of war far too young, missing out on school and the joys of friendship. The ongoing war inflicts severe and lasting psychological damage on children, disrupting their development and well-being. Without professional psychological support, children lose far more than their homes, education, or even loved ones—they lose their sense of safety, their voice, and the dreams that once gave them hope.
Providing psychological support as early as possible is crucial to reduce the risk of lasting mental health issues, particularly in children whose emotional and cognitive development is still ongoing and thus is most vulnerable.
“Art is the most precious means by which the human soul can express itself. Especially in times of crisis, painting and making music, various ways of engaging with art, can awaken new hopes.”
"Coming from Odesa, I am very much familiar with the destructions of the war due to the Russian aggression - especially in the life of children. They have every right to enjoy a carefree youth, but - instead - are troubled by the daily and nightly fear of potential Russian bomb attacks. This kind of persistent fear can be incredibly draining and disruptive. Unfortunately, there is no cure for the damage of their souls. If already, by way of artistic expression. As a Ukrainian musician, I DO know the power of creating music. This is why I very much support Kryla and its endeavors for the sake of Ukrainian youth.“
“The war has been raging for more than three years and we never imagined, that we could survive this long. In the first weeks, it felt like hell would either consume us completely or everything would end in three weeks. During these years we are witnessing a rise in suicides, caused by trauma, uncertainty, and the lack of timely psychological support. It is a disturbing picture that’s not immediately visible, because children and teenagers often stay silent about their suffering. Especially during war, when they had to grow up too fast, when they worry about us — the adults — because they see that we already carry too much.”
