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For 1000 days, Ukraine has endured unimaginable suffering. Dr. Roman Kozak, a London physician who recently visited Ukraine, as a part of a convoy to deliver medical aid shared the grim reality. “Bombs have fallen, lives have been shattered, and millions have been displaced.” Families have fled their homes, entire towns have been destroyed, and yet, Ukrainians continue to show extraordinary strength and resilience in the face of adversity.
Dr. Kozak explained how the war has uprooted countless lives. Many families from the eastern regions have moved west to escape the violence, while others have left Ukraine entirely. For those who remain, life has been turned upside down. Homes, jobs, and stability have been lost, leaving millions struggling to survive.
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Children, he noted, have been particularly affected. “They wake up terrified of alarms and loud noises,” Dr. Kozak said, describing the psychological toll on young Ukrainians. Education has also been disrupted, with students and teachers forced to take shelter during air raids, making it nearly impossible to focus on learning.
Dr. Kozak highlighted another tragic consequence of the war the damage to Ukraine’s environment. Missiles and explosions have polluted the land, leaving toxic chemicals in towns and farmlands. This destruction will take years to repair and poses a significant risk to the health and future of the country.
Despite the devastation, Dr. Kozak pointed out how the Ukrainian spirit remains unbroken. The blue and yellow flag of Ukraine has become a powerful symbol of hope and unity. Ukrainians around the world have rallied to support their homeland, offering help in countless ways.
Communities like the one in London, Ontario, where Dr. Kozak is active, have stepped up to provide aid. Over the past two years, the Ukrainian Centre there has sent multiple containers of essential supplies—food, medicine, and more—to help those in need. These efforts, he said, are a lifeline for many Ukrainians struggling to survive the war.
Dr. Kozak emphasized that Ukraine’s future depends on two critical steps winning the war and rebuilding the country. Once peace is restored, Ukraine will need the support of its allies to repair the immense damage to homes, schools, and infrastructure. “The process will be long,” he said, “but with help, Ukraine can recover and thrive again.”
Dr. Kozak’s message is one of pain but also of hope. Ukraine’s story is not just about suffering—it’s about courage, unity, and determination. The world must continue to support Ukraine as it works toward a brighter future.
