Russia’s relentless attacks on Ukraine’s energy system have pushed millions into darkness, but for people with disabilities the impact is even more devastating. Power outages strip away autonomy, medical support and hope, leaving many isolated and vulnerable. Civil society organisations are working tirelessly to ease this suffering. Lars Bosselmann, Executive Director of the European Blind Union, shares how his organisation is supporting blind and partially sighted Ukrainians.

By Lars Bosselmann

Four years of humanitarian tragedy. Four years in which Ukrainians have been living with daily hardship. The start of the Russian invasion in February 2022 has shaken Ukraine at the political, economic and social level. Although we usually speak about the impact of conflicts in people’s lives in broad terms, we should always remind ourselves about how the reality of communities at risk of social exclusion – such as persons with disabilities – are affected by the devastation caused by war.

Since the start of the conflict, the European Blind Union (EBU) has been closely monitoring the situation of blind and partially sighted Ukrainians, and has organised support thanks to our generous members.

Recently, we had the chance to talk to Larysa Baida, from the National Assembly of Persons with Disabilities in Ukraine (NAPD), in the latest episode of our podcast, EBU in Action (available on Apple Podcasts, Podbean and Spotify). Her testimony revealed a terrifying scenario where people are losing their lives and homes, and where schools, medical facilities and other essential structures are being destroyed.

Power outages continue to occur, resulting in the collapse of the energy system. All this is happening during a period when temperatures in some regions can reach as low as -25°C, making this one of the harshest winters in recent years.

This terrible context doesn’t only affect infrastructure. The crisis is also about constant violations of fundamental rights by Russia: many people with disabilities are losing their autonomy and independence due to power outages, as they rely on electricity to use assistive devices. Additionally, being unable to use home-based medical equipment and the lack of personalised rehabilitation services increase the risk of medical complications, as well as feelings of loneliness and despair.

Despite all these challenges, civil society organisations are doing their best to meet the needs of blind and partially sighted people. In addition, EBU has also committed to continuing its financial support to help visually impaired Ukrainians. Through funds donated to NAPD, our colleagues have been able to support a shelter in Dnipro (including repairs to its water supply) and purchase medical equipment for the Okhmatdyt Hospital in Kyiv (a healthcare facility where NAPD provides training to doctors and medical staff), among others.

Thanks to our collaboration with NAPD, we have also been able to distribute financial aid among the different regional branches of the Ukrainian Association of the Blind, EBU’s Ukrainian member. In parallel, our network of national associations has also contributed to humanitarian assistance in several areas, such as helping blind and partially sighted Ukrainian refugees integrate into their host countries.

As you read these lines, NAPD continues its close cooperation with organisations of persons with disabilities, UN agencies and other disability-related stakeholders to support our communities in Ukraine. In an international context marked by political turmoil, we must not forget the desperate struggles of those who are living through war. Our most precious wish is for this war to come to an end and lead us to a new peaceful era where rebuilding can take place.

Lars Bosselmann is the Executive Director of the European Blind Union (EBU).

If you wish to make a donation to help people with disabilities in Ukraine, you can find the necessary financial information on the NAPD’s webpage.