Ukraine Refugees, Marginalized Groups Face Ongoing Crisis

As Russia's war in Ukraine continues into its third year, nearly 11 million people have been displaced, creating a profound humanitarian crisis. Refugees who have resettled abroad, including in places like Pennsylvania, face ongoing trauma and survivor's guilt as they remain separated from loved ones in active war zones. In eastern Ukrainian cities such as Kramatorsk, marginalized groups—including people living with HIV, recovering drug users, and sex workers—seek vital support at centers like Svitanok, which provide medical guidance and emotional support amid intensifying Russian advances. Russian-backed authorities have banned internationally endorsed opioid substitution therapies, making it harder for vulnerable individuals to access essential treatments. Personal stories, such as that of Ivan Sarancha, a teenager who fled Russian-occupied Luhansk, reflect the resilience of Ukrainians adapting to life both under occupation and in exile. Despite the hardships, organizations like Svitanok remain crucial in restoring dignity and hope to those most affected by war.