UKARINE, KHARKIV OBLAST, Aug. 24. — In Kharkiv oblast, 1,800 children have lost a parent who served in the military during Russia’s war against Ukraine, Oleh Syniehubov, the governor of the region, told Gwara Media.  

In February 2025, UNICEF reported that 1 in 5 children in Ukraine lost a relative or close friend because of the Russian war. 

Although the government didn’t provide the exact numbers, the Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine reported that over 13,000 children have lost their parents since the beginning of 2022. 

Oleh Syniehubov also said that 135,000 war veterans live in Kharkiv oblast, with 88,000 of them having combatant status. More than 10,000 Ukrainian servicemen have disabilities, Syniehubov added. 

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