The spread of acute respiratory viral infections and influenza has reached a critical level in the temporarily occupied territories (TOT) of Ukraine.
As of now, at least 15 educational institutions in Donetsk have been completely switched to remote learning due to widespread illnesses among students. Another 11 schools have been forced to partially suspend in-person classes.
A similar situation is unfolding in the occupied Luhansk region, where 10 schools and over 120 classes in 45 schools have suspended education due to a sharp rise in infections. Local residents report that children are returning home from school with persistent coughs, high fevers that do not subside for days, and severe sore throats.
However, the crisis runs even deeper. The TOT faces a severe shortage of qualified medical professionals, as most doctors have left for Ukraine-controlled territories, refusing to work under occupation. Hospitals lack essential medications, and the quality of available drugs is highly questionable.
This situation is yet another example of how the Russian occupation administration (ROA) is incapable of addressing the critical shortage of medical personnel or even providing children with basic healthcare. Instead, the occupiers continue to channel vast resources into their war of aggression against Ukraine, leaving civilians in the TOT to fend for themselves.
The National Resistance Center emphasizes that Russian occupation poses an immediate and ongoing threat to every resident in the TOT. The enemy has no regard for human lives — it is solely focused on maintaining control over the population and exploiting Ukrainian resources to sustain its criminal war.
You can stop the policy of the Russian invaders and their collaborators by publicizing their crimes and demanding their international prosecution. You can also participate in rallies in support of Ukraine or donate to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
