War in Ukraine drives sharp rise in disabilities and rehabilitation needs

Press Release | London, 5th February 2026, 12:00 GMT

Humanity & Inclusion (HI) teams on the ground have observed a significant surge in rehabilitation requests, particularly from people injured by rocket and drone attacks, aerial bombardments, landmine explosions
Significant increase in the number of people with disabilities
300,000 people have suffered war-related injuries, some resulting in permanent physical disabilities such as amputations, hearing loss, and vision impairment
People with disabilities have been disproportionately affected by violence and death during the conflict and continue to face serious barriers in accessing essential services
According to HI’s survey approximately a quarter of Ukraine’s territory is potentially contaminated with explosive weapons
Explosive weapons contamination is compounding the humanitarian crisis and contributing to both physical injuries and prolonged displacement.

Significant surge in rehabilitation requests

After almost four years of bombing and shelling, the number of seriously injured civilians in Ukraine continues to rise. Humanity & Inclusion (HI) teams on the ground report a marked increase in severe injuries such as amputations and burns, leading to growing demand for rehabilitation services, prosthetics, assistive devices, and skilled medical professionals. More and more people now require physiotherapy, prosthetic care, and psychological support to rebuild their lives.

“We have seen a significant increase in requests for rehabilitation from people injured by rocket and drone attacks, aerial bombardments, and landmine explosions. These patients have suffered severe trauma and amputations. There has also been a rise in requests from internally displaced persons as the frontline moves closer to the Dnipropetrovsk region. Our work helps survivors regain everyday abilities, move independently, and care for themselves so they can feel confident and independent again. For those who have lost everything—including their property, health, and sometimes the will to live - psychological support is essential.” Tatiana, Humanity & Inclusion’s Physiotherapist in Dnipro.

Increase in the number of people with disabilities

According to the Assessment Capacities Project (ACAPS), an estimated 300,000 people have suffered war-related injuries, some resulting in permanent physical disabilities such as amputations, hearing loss, and vision impairment. Prior to the Russian invasion, Ukraine had approximately 2.7 million persons with disabilities. This figure has increased due to the scale and severity of war-related injuries.

People with disabilities have been disproportionately affected by violence and death during the conflict and continue to face serious barriers in accessing essential services, including healthcare, rehabilitation, and psychosocial support.

Explosive weapons contamination fuels displacement and long-term harm

Explosive weapons contamination is compounding the humanitarian crisis and contributing to both physical injuries and prolonged displacement. As highlighted in Humanity & Inclusion’s study published last June, approximately a quarter of Ukraine’s territory - 138,503 km² of land and 14,000 km² of water - is potentially contaminated by landmines, cluster munitions, and other explosive remnants of war. Ukraine is now among the most severely contaminated countries worldwide.

This widespread contamination is halting agricultural production, obstructing reconstruction efforts, and restricting humanitarian access. Entire communities have lost access to land for farming and grazing, pushing rural households deeper into poverty and increasing reliance on humanitarian aid. The presence of explosive ordnance in residential areas, along with the risk of recontamination in previously cleared zones, creates overwhelming barriers for internally displaced people and refugees considering returning home.

Notes

Expert spokespersons available upon request

Case studies of people impacted by explosive weapons in Ukraine available.

Humanity & Inclusion’s response in Ukraine

HI has been providing assistance to survivors of explosive weapons attacks in Ukraine since 2022. Over the past four years, our organisation has also delivered risk education sessions to more than 230,000 people to reduce accidents caused by unexploded ordnance.

HI’s support includes: