Editorial 1: A thousand days of Ukrainian resilience

Context

In the Russian aggression against Ukraine, one needs to draw in the Mahatma and his philosophy of ahimsa — this would translate into asking Moscow to respect international law and restore peace.

Introduction

A 1,000 days ago, on February 24, 2022, world history changed dramatically. Russia launched its full-scale military aggression aimed at destroying Ukrainian statehood, culture and nation. The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, united the nation and international community to fight the evil. Thus, Ukraine persevered and is still fighting for justice and peace.

• Initial skepticism and Ukrainian resilience: In February 2022, many in the West were convinced that Ukraine would not be able to withstand the Russian onslaught.
  • But the armed forces of Ukraine defended Kyiv, expelled the occupiers from the north of Ukraine, and liberated the Kharkiv and Kherson regions.
• National unity as a key factor: National unity was a key factor in the successful resistance to Russian neo-colonial ambitions.
  • Russia’s efforts at conquest were stopped thanks to the joint efforts of Ukrainians who stood united to defend their homeland.
• Enduring the horrors of war and proving strength: During these 1,000 days, Ukraine went through the horrors of war.
  • Despite this, Ukraine proved that an indomitable spirit, the unity of the people, and international support could become the basis for bringing peace back.
• Russian War Crimes and the symbolism of Ukrainian cities: In April 2022, the world was shocked by the Russian military’s massacres of Ukrainians in Bucha, Irpin, Borodyanka, and Mariupol.
  • These cities became symbols of the Ukrainian freedom struggle and evidence of the aggressor’s war crimes.
• Ukraine’s armed forces and global admiration: In 1,000 days, the armed forces of Ukraine have become one of the strongest armies in the world.
  • The heroism of Ukrainian defenders is admired all over the world.

The human costs

• Civilian casualties and displacement: Throughout this period, thousands of civilians, including about 600 children, have died due to the Russian aggression.
  • As in UNHCR data, over eight million Ukrainians left the country, seeking refuge; over half of those who left have come back.
  • In addition, seven million people became internally displaced persons.
  • As of November 2024, about 3.6 million remain internally displaced.
• Prisoners of War and Captivity: In these 1,000 days, over 2,500 Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilians have been successfully returned through exchanges.
  • However, thousands remain in Russian captivity, in horrifying conditions and heavily tortured.
  • The exact numbers of all captured Ukrainians are difficult to confirm.
• Deportation of Ukrainian Children: It is officially documented that Russia deported more than 20,000 Ukrainian children.
  • The real figure is much higher and continues to grow every day.
  • The International Criminal Court issued a historic arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin for his involvement in the unlawful deportation of Ukrainian children.
  • With the help of intermediary countries, primarily Qatar, only 1,002 were returned home.
  • Efforts continue to identify and get back the rest, but many cases remain challenging due to Russia’s lack of cooperation.
• Destruction of Civilian and Cultural Infrastructure: Throughout these 1,000 days, civilian and critical infrastructure became the priority for Russian strikes.
  • Russia deliberately targeted and damaged or destroyed 3,793 educational institutions, 1,714 medical institutions, and more than 2,100 objects of cultural infrastructure.
  • These are cultural heritage sites, museums, libraries, theatres and historical monuments.

Economic Losses and Reconstruction

• According to the estimates of the World Bank, the total economic losses of Ukraine exceed $400 billion.
• Restoration of the destroyed infrastructure requires at least $500 billion.
• Demining of the territories is estimated around $35 billion.
• Ukraine is facing the challenge of the century — to rebuild the country after the largest war in Europe since the Second World War.

Ongoing Resilience and International Support

• We continue to rebuild the country, bring life back to destroyed territories and implement reforms, showing the world an example of resilience.
• All this would not be possible without our partners and allies that have provided billions in military, financial and humanitarian aid, which we received with deepest gratitude.

No wins for the aggressor

• Russian Military Losses: Ever since the beginning of its full-scale aggression, the so-called second military power in the world, a nuclear state, 25 times bigger than Ukraine — Russia — has lost 7,22,440 military personnel, both wounded and killed.
  • This figure far exceeds the total number of military personnel in most of the world’s armies.
  • Russia continues to lose around 1,500 military personnel a day by using them as cannon fodder.
  • To balance these losses, Russia got 1,00,000 North Korean troops to fight its war against Ukraine.
• Losses in Military Equipment: In these 1,000 days, the Russian army has lost 9,365 tanks, 19,059 armoured fighting vehicles, 20,586 artillery systems, 1,252 multiple rocket launchers, 999 air defence systems, 369 aircraft, 329 helicopters, 19,073 operational-tactical unmanned aerial vehicle (UAVs), 28 ships/boats, one submarine, 29,428 auxiliary vehicles and fuel tanks, and 3,655 pieces of specialised equipment.
  • Once a leading arms exporter, Russia’s global defence contracts have been undermined as its military equipment’s reliability has been questioned.

Sanctions and Economic Impact

• Russia has faced over 14,000 cases of sanctions from international entities, severely restricting its access to global financial systems and technology.
• These sanctions have resulted in long-term damage to industries reliant on imports, particularly high-technology sectors.
• Over 1,000 global companies have exited Russia since the invasion began, reducing foreign direct investment.
• Over one million educated professionals and young workers have fled Russia, making it the largest exodus since 1991 (when the USSR was dissolved).
• This has severely impacted the IT and engineering sector

Economic Struggles and Inflation

• While officials in the Kremlin are repeatedly asserting that Russia’s economy is resilient, the reality of its long-term economic outlook appears increasingly fragile.
• The poverty level is increasing, and social, educational, and cultural programmes are being curtailed.
• Due to the actions of its leader, Russia is degrading, and its citizens are being marginalised.
• In late October this year, Russia’s Central Bank raised its key policy rate to an unprecedented 21%.
• The Russian authorities struggle with the real problems and try to manage a wartime economy that is in danger of overheating due to rising inflation and the pressure of sanctions.

International Isolation

• The international image of Russia has been severely damaged.
• In the last 1,000 days, Russia has been suspended or excluded from key international bodies, such as the Council of Europe, and faces diminished influence in organisations such as the United Nations.
• Russia has become a global outcast, with only a few rogue states such as North Korea continuing to support it openly.
• Its long-term influence in international diplomacy stands severely diminished.

In search of just and lasting peace

• Ukrainian resilience and unity: It is probable that every Ukrainian personally knows at least one person who, right now, is defending Ukraine’s independence on the front lines.
  • The war did not defeat the Ukrainians, did not frighten them, did not break them, did not destroy them, and did not separate them.
• Effective deterrence of Russian aggression: Today, Ukraine effectively deters Russia’s armed aggression thanks to efforts on the military, diplomatic, and information fronts, as well as powerful international assistance.
• Struggle for identity and European values: The heroic resistance of Ukrainians is not only a struggle for the physical survival of the Ukrainian people and the freedom of the country.
  • In this war, Ukraine defends its European choice, its identity, and values as part of the European ones.
  • Ukrainians shed their blood for a free and democratic Europe.

Way Forward: President Zelenskyy’s Emphasis on Neutrality

• Mr. Zelenskyy has repeatedly emphasised the point that neutrality in this war is untenable.
• He has said, “There can be no neutrality between the aggressor and the victim. Neutrality in this conflict means you are with Russia.”
• These words are a reminder that standing on the sidelines in the face of such clear violations of international law undermines the very principles that bind us as a global community.
• Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity are a guarantee of world stability.

Conclusion

If Mahatma Gandhi were alive today, his unwavering commitment to justice and peace would undoubtedly have led him to call for Russia to quit Ukraine. Gandhiji’s leadership during the Quit India Movement was rooted in the belief that no power has the right to oppress or dominate another nation. Gandhiji’s philosophy of ahimsa and his moral clarity on colonialism as an affront to human dignity align closely with Ukraine’s struggle for freedom from aggression. His stance would emphasise the principle that true peace can only be achieved when oppressors relinquish their hold and allow justice to prevail. In today’s context, this would translate into calling for Russia to respect international law, withdraw its troops, and restore peace.

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Editorial 2: A community on the margins, its hidden scars

Context

The lived realities of sex workers must be acknowledged, with collaborative, compassionate and comprehensive interventions to promote their mental health.

Introduction

Heeramandi, a Netflix series by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, delves into the lives of courtesans in pre-Independence India, bringing to the forefront the untold stories of sex workers. Set in Lahore’s historic red light district, it paints a vivid picture of the complex interplay between societal pressures, personal ambitions, and the pursuit of dignity and freedom. While capturing the resilience and agency of these women, who navigate the harsh realities of their profession under British colonial rule, it also subtly highlights the mental health challenges they face — which are still painfully relevant.

• Globally, sex workers continue to face profound mental health challenges exacerbated by societal stigma, violence, economic pressures, and isolation.
• While much of the public discourse on sex work either romanticises or criminalises the profession, it often neglects the very real mental health struggles.
• The unique circumstances of their work makes sex workers vulnerable to complex emotional and psychological stressors.
• Yet, access to mental health services remains limited.

A spectrum of issues

• Mental health conditions: Sex workers suffer from a range of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and substance use disorders.
• Root causes: These stem from various factors such as violence, exploitation, and societal stigma.
• Impact of stigma: Stigma is one of the most significant contributors to their mental health issues.
  • Ostracised, sex workers are deprived of basic human rights, which alienates them from accessing essential health services.
  • This exclusion leaves them vulnerable to severe psychological distress, and the stigma attached to their profession is a major deterrent to their seeking help.
• Violence and Its Consequences
  • Violence is a constant in their lives.
  • Many experience physical, emotional, and sexual violence from clients, pimps, and even law enforcement.
  • This results in trauma and PTSD, significantly affecting their everyday life.
  • The continuous trauma inflicted by violence exacerbates mental health disorders, creating a cycle that is difficult to break without appropriate interventions.

Economic Pressures and Social Isolation

• Economic pressures further drive their mental health issues.
  • Many are drawn into the profession out of financial desperation, often as the sole means of supporting themselves and their families.
  • The precarious nature of sex work, along with the lack of alternative employment opportunities, results in chronic stress and anxiety.
  • The instability of income heightens their insecurity, further damaging their mental health.
• Substance use as a coping mechanism: mechanism among sex workers who rely on drugs or alcohol to manage stress and trauma.
  • However, substance use compounds their mental health problems, trapping them in a harmful cycle of addiction, isolation, and deteriorating mental well-being.
• Social Isolation and lack of support: The isolation faced by sex workers worsens their access to social support systems, heightens feelings of hopelessness and deepens mental health issues.
  • This lack of support is a recurring theme, historically and today.

An absence of specific interventions

• Existing challenges: The intersection of sex work and mental health reveals deep-seated challenges that demand comprehensive and compassionate interventions.
  • Although efforts have been made, particularly in addressing HIV prevention and treatment, specific mental health services tailored to sex workers are still lacking.
• Example: Initiatives in India: India has seen initiatives focused on HIV prevention, there is still a gap in mental health services.
  • In Sonagachi, Kolkata, however, a mental health database project, with the goal of providing more targeted interventions and support.
  • This initiative emphasises the need for data-driven solutions that are tailored to the unique mental health needs of the community.
• Path forward: Much progress can be made if the lived realities of sex workers are acknowledged and if interventions address their mental health needs with sensitivity and urgency.

Research and Advocacy Needs

• Comprehensive research is needed to test the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of interventions co-designed with sex workers in India to promote their mental health and well-being.
• Additionally, sustained advocacy is required to establish supportive policies that offer a comprehensive package of services, including:
  • Economic opportunities,
  • Access to mental health services,
  • Legal protection from violence,
  • Efforts to reduce societal stigma.

Legal support is one area

• Need for comprehensive intervenstions: The mental health crisis among sex workers demands collaborative, compassionate and comprehensive interventions.
• Legal protection, access to mental health services, and the creation of safe spaces where sex workers can access social support are essential to improving their well-being.
• Peers support: As emphasized in the report, “Sex Work and Mental Health: Access to Mental Health Services for People Who Sell Sex in Germany, Italy, Sweden, and the UK”, peer support networks are fundamental to mental health.

Conclusion

By focusing on the lived realities of sex workers and advocating supportive policies, society can move toward a more just and humane approach in addressing the mental health challenges faced by this marginalised community. Addressing stigma, violence, economic pressures, and isolation, along with providing legal protection and mental health services, is crucial to improving their well-being and promoting a more just society.