Up to 10% of Ukrainian youth exposed to war have attempted suicide, study finds

A research review conducted at the University of Turku reveals that prolonged exposure to war has severely impacted the mental health of Ukrainian children and adolescents, with alarming rates of suicidal behaviour among those affected.

The study, covering Ukraine’s conflict from 2014 to the current full-scale war, found that a significant portion of war-exposed youth suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, and suicidal tendencies. Postdoctoral researcher Sanju Silwal, the lead author, highlighted self-harm as a particularly urgent concern.

“Suicidal ideation among children is something public health authorities in Ukraine must address immediately,” Silwal stated. The research indicates that girls report suicidal thoughts and attempts more frequently than boys.

Long-term exposure to war has had devastating effects. Professor Andre Sourander noted that among 11–17-year-olds exposed to both phases of the conflict, over 10% had attempted suicide—compared to just 4% among those not directly exposed.

“Children should never have to witness what Ukrainian youth are experiencing—losing caregivers or seeing civilian deaths,” Silwal said.

Displacement further compounds risks. Studies show that 25–50% of Ukrainian adolescents have directly or indirectly experienced war-related trauma, with about 20% forced to relocate, either within Ukraine or abroad. Separation from parents and loss of social support increase vulnerability to mental health issues.

Silwal and Sourander emphasised the need for family support, citing a digital programme developed at the University of Turku to help parents assist children in stressful situations. “Children lack the tools to process trauma,” Silwal explained. “Parents must provide security and guide them through distress.”

Finland could play a key role in aiding Ukrainian youth. The university has collaborated with Ukrainian psychologists and psychiatrists for over a decade, including Professor Olga Osokina, who bridges research between Turku and Donetsk National Medical University.

“Finland could provide evidence-based services for Ukrainian colleagues to utilise,” Sourander suggested, stressing that state funding would be essential. “Supporting Ukraine’s children is a humanitarian priority.”