What are the main ways the war affects everyday life in Ukraine and Russia?

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The war between Russia and Ukraine profoundly affects everyday life in both countries, but in different ways.

In Ukraine:

· Human suffering and displacement: Over 1.8 million women are internally displaced, and nearly 14 million people overall are displaced within or outside Ukraine. Over 10,000 civilians have been killed, and injuries continue, especially from widespread bombardments of populated areas. Many families live with constant fear due to air raids and attacks on civilian infrastructure such as hospitals and schools^[1]^[2]^[3]^[4].

· Economic hardship and food insecurity: Nearly a quarter of the Ukrainian population lives in poverty, and about one in five families struggle with food insecurity. The war has damaged infrastructure, including electricity, water, and food supply systems. Agricultural land is partially abandoned or mined, reducing food production. The economy shrank over 30% in the first year and remains heavily dependent on foreign aid^[2].

· Mental health and social impacts: There is a severe mental health crisis, with 30% of Ukrainians suffering from disorders related to war stress. Gender-based violence has surged 36%, with women facing greater unemployment, widened pay gaps, and increased unpaid domestic burdens since the war began. Closure of childcare worsens these pressures^[1]^[5].

· Long-term risks for children: Hundreds of children have been killed or injured, with many displaced or separated from caregivers. Landmines and unexploded ordinances pose ongoing life-threatening dangers to children across large areas of Ukraine^[4].

In Russia:

· Economic strain and shifting alliances: Western sanctions have forced Russia to reorient its economy toward Asia, especially China. While defense spending has multiplied (to about $150 billion), much of the consumer boom created by war-related spending is unsustainable and expected to fall after a peace deal. The conflict has damaged some Russian regions and diverted resources from education and social services^[6].

· Human cost and societal impact: Russia has suffered heavy military casualties (estimates over 700,000), placing great stress on an underfunded healthcare system. The visible toll of dead soldiers in small towns has deeply affected communities, though official casualty numbers are suppressed to mitigate unrest^[6].

· Increased repression and political control: The Kremlin amplified repression of dissent, targeting anti-war activists, LGBTQ individuals, migrants, and women with arrests and extreme charges. Anti-war sentiment exists among ordinary Russians, with poll data showing declining support for the war and emotional fatigue about the conflict. The government tightly controls elections, disallowing some anti-war candidates^[7]^[6].

In summary, in Ukraine, the war disrupts daily survival, causes mass displacement, economic collapse, mental health crises, and severe civilian casualties, especially affecting women and children. In Russia, the war drives economic hardship, military losses, political repression, and growing public war fatigue. Both populations endure profound social and individual suffering, though the nature of impact differs sharply between the two countries.