War and Disability Inclusion in Ukraine and Russia: The United Nations Unfinished Agenda

War and Disability Inclusion in Ukraine and Russia: The United Nations Unfinished Agenda | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article War and Disability Inclusion in Ukraine and Russia: The United Nations Unfinished Agenda Odong David Newton, Shankar Lal Bika, Michael Mukhwana, Paramjeet Parmar This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-8005475/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract War has indiscriminate and disproportionate effects on humanity. This study assesses the effects of wars on the provision of services to PwDs and other vulnerable groups by the United Nations (UN) in the war-affected countries. This study assesses the effects of wars in relation to the challenges, support services expected from the UN and forms of rehabilitation needed for PwDs and other vulnerable groups in the war-affected countries of Russia and Ukraine by the UN. This study employed a case study design to best assess and understand the phenomenon through a documentary review. Thematic analysis enabled the findings to be processed and systematically presented. The findings reveal that the conflict has aggravated the isolation of PwDs and other vulnerable people, affecting the physical accessibility, negatively impacting the healthcare and rehabilitation systems, and prolonging psychosocial suffering. It was found that PwDs and other vulnerable groups have high expectations from the UN and other humanitarian organizations to ensure access to and sustainability of support services and rehabilitation interventions during and post-war period. The study, therefore, suggests best practices that UN-led stakeholders should undertake. War Disability Disability Inclusion United Nations & Unfinished Agenda INTRODUCTION Ukraine had remained an independent State for a long time without any encroachment by any other foreign countries. As one of the ways of promoting collaboration among world nations, it joined the commonwealth on 8th December 1991, following the signing of an agreement between Ukraine and Russia to form a new association, replacing the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR). Additionally, in an effort to promote global trade, Ukraine became a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2008. For years, both Ukraine and Russia have been working diligently to defend their positions as world superpowers while remaining members of the United Nations (UN), by adopting and implementing the UN’s global goals agenda, such as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) (2001–2015) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (2015–2030), among others. However, the implementation of these global goals requires total peace and security in the country. Unfortunately, Ukraine and some regions of Russia have not been enjoying peace and security due to the war that broke out between the two countries. War is an intensive means of furthering policy through violent armed conflict between countries or States, Governments and/or societies, whose results may lead to epidemics, famine or starvation, atrocities and genocide (Kilcullen, 2011 ; Marks, 2011). The UN, through its missions, has highlighted that beyond the war between Ukraine and Russia, several countries in the world have suffered destructive armed conflicts with disastrous humanitarian consequences. These include the civil war in Syria that displaced millions and destroyed infrastructure (United High Commission for Refugees [UNHCR], 2021), and the war in Yemen has caused enduring starvation and declined healthcare systems (Office of the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs [OCHA], 2020). Others include Ethiopia’s Tigray conflict (Amnesty International, 2021 ), South Sudan (World Bank, 2021 ), the Democratic Republic of the Congo (Human Rights Watch, 2020 ), Sudan and Nigeria (Vesco et al., 2025 ), and Afghanistan (United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan [UNAMA], 2021), which have perpetuated humanitarian suffering among the population. These crises demonstrate that large-scale armed conflicts continue to pose a significant global catastrophe, with unending negative consequences. This situation requires collaborative support from various stakeholders, including the UN. For instance, the UN Security Council is mandated to end conflicts worldwide through diplomacy and mediation, with the assistance of UN special envoys and political missions (United Nations [UN], 2018). In the face of the UN’s failure to provide peace and security to different countries, however, this has led to the continued violation of Human rights. War or armed conflict disproportionately brings about suffering to humanity (McInnes, 2024 ). It imposes serious and multidimensional damage on societies, including interrupting economic activities, undermining access to vital essential services such as schooling and violating the rights of the most vulnerable populations, including loss of lives, mistreatment of civilians and racial segregation (Chi et al., 2015 ; Kadir, 2019; UNICEF, 2023; World Bank, 2025 ) and exacerbating poverty. Reports indicate that approximately 28.5 million primary school children worldwide reside in areas affected by conflict (United Nations Development Programme [UNDP], 2015). However, the war between Ukraine and Russia has contributed to devastating effects on the civilians of all ages, as internally displaced persons increased six times (Kyrychenko et al., 2024 ), and the 6.6 million PwDs living in Ukraine have not been spared. Besides, PwDs are estimated to have increased by more than 300,000 people (UNDP, 2025). It is observed that the ongoing war in Ukraine is likely to worsen the discrepancies in access to vital services for PwDs (Armitage, 2022 ). In 1919, the League of Nations, an International organization, was formed at the end of World War I, which occurred from 1914 to 1918. The League of Nations had the following goals to be implemented by the UN General Assembly: Disarmament, preventing and ending wars, promoting peace and security, settling international disputes between countries through negotiations and agreements/treaties, promoting human rights, supporting former British Colonies (Commonwealth Countries) to attain their independence and improving global quality of life (Yurtsever & Hmaidan, 2019 ). Unfortunately, the UN General Assembly failed to end wars in most countries that had already attained independence. World War II later broke out, disrupting international peace and security worldwide. However, in 1945, the UN Charter was formed with three major aims, including: Realization of international peace and security, Promotion of international development through the UNDP and Promotion of human rights (Reif, 1946; Yurtsever & Hmaidan, 2019 ). The year 1946 was considered the year that marked the end of all forms of inhuman treatment experienced by people worldwide. It was considered the year of enlightenment, as it aimed to bring many people from darkness to light (Reiff, 1946). During its enactment, the UDHR (1948) was not considered a legally binding document. However, it was later adopted as a legally binding document in 1966, when two other legally binding documents were established by the UN. These were the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ICESCR, 1966) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR, 1966). These three human rights documents are referred to as “The UN Bills of Rights or Human Rights Instruments” (Roberts, 2013 ). The implementation of these bills of rights was expected to end all forms of suffering among people worldwide. Disability Over one 1 billion people worldwide (15%) of the total world population have disability, which occurs as a result of ageing, prevalence of non-communicable diseases and wars in various parts of the world (WHO, 2022). In Ukraine, 10.8% of the population had some form of permanent impairment by 2020 (Zaversik et al., 2024). However, the ongoing war has and may continue to increase the number of PwDs, especially in Ukraine, stemming from the suffering of the population as a consequence of physical injuries, psychological disorders and social disintegration (Mikheieva et al., 2025 ). Kyrychenko et al. ( 2024 ) observe that the number of elderly persons with disabilities increased two-fold compared to the pre-conflict period in the war zones and highly concentrated displaced camps. Disabilities are perceived differently by different organizations. Some of the arguments are examined below: Disability is a physical, mental and cognitive developmental condition that impairs, interferes with or limits one’s ability to engage in certain tasks. It also limits participation in performing daily activities (WHO, 2022). Disability may impose permanent or temporary limitations on an individual. According to UNCRPD (2006), disability refers to a situation where someone has a long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairment that may result from interaction with the environment, hindering their participation in society like others (UN, 2014). This suggests that the effect of war, which leads in most cases leads to to displacement, may cause trauma, physical impairment and/or injuries leading to disabilities to people who are involved. The concept of disability is explained in three pathways: The Social, Medical, and Human Rights models. The social model of disability believes that disability is caused by the way society is organized, other than the person’s impairment or differences. This means that one’s inability to perform in an activity due to a disability may not be experienced, as long as society is accommodating to a person assumed to have a disability (Oliver, 2013 ; Sharma, 2020 ; Tugli et al., 2014 ). Meanwhile, the medical model of disability believes that disability is due to people’s impairment and differences. The impression is that disability can only be addressed by treatment (Retief & Letšosa, 2018 ). In this perspective, disability is seen as an interaction between a person with a health condition and environmental or personal factors. Disability inclusion refers to being acknowledged and/or recognized as an individual, regardless of the disability or condition, and being given equitable opportunities to participate in all activities and programmes, including social, developmental, employment, and rehabilitation, whether informal or formal (Rohwerder, 2015 ). Any services provided to PwDs can only be efficient if the consumers or final users are consulted and involved from the initial stages of such interventions. Thus, individuals with disabilities and Disabled Peoples’ Organisations (DPOs) are crucial stakeholders during the initiation and implementation stages of policies and programmes meant to support the rehabilitation of vulnerable groups of persons, and war victims are not an exception (Kienzler et al., 2022 ). An “agenda” is a plan of action which is designed for people or a state to adopt and implement in order to promote universal peace and freedom (UN, 2020). According to the UN, the Sustainable Development Agenda (SDA) 2030 was identified as one of the strategies for achieving the SDGs by 2030 (Bin-Nashwan et al., 2024 ). It ensures the mobilization of people from different sectors to achieve these global goals. However, these goals are classified in at three different levels: global action which is meant to promote leadership through good governance and resource mobilization; local action which meant to provide for the establishment of frameworks to regulate operations of the Governments by enacting policies to approve budgets, creation of new cities and recruitment of local authorities; and finally, people’s action which refers to the involvement of all stakeholders, including youths, Civil Society, media, private sectors and academia to forge ways for transformations, hence sustainable development. On the one hand, an Unfinished Agenda refers to where a long-term development plan of an organization or body intended to be fulfilled within a specified period remains incomplete (Keijzer, 2013 ). For example, the UN introduced MDGs, which were meant to transform most of the developing countries in the world, but through the final assessment in 2015, it was realized that there were many gaps. This then led to the outlining of the SDGs (2015). Sustainable Development refers to a form of development that meets the needs of the current population without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs (UNDP, 2015). One of the primary objectives of the SDGs was to uplift war-torn countries and impoverished regions, promoting peace and alleviating poverty in affected areas (SDGs 1 & 16, 2015). Goal 1 aims to eradicate poverty by 2030, while Goal 16 seeks to promote peace, justice, as well as development of strong institutions. It was ratified by 185-member countries in the world to be implemented from 2015 to 2030, but as of now, the number of members has increased to 193. Before this period, the CRPD had also been ratified by the aforementioned countries. The current UN development plan is, therefore, based on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Sustainable Development Agenda (SDA) 2030 (UNDP, 2015). This global agenda was established in 2015 as a follow-up to the implementation, achievements, challenges, and recommendations of the MDGs, which were to be achieved by 2015. These global goals were later ratified and adopted by 185 countries worldwide to be implemented by 2030. The plan identifies key issues to be implemented. For example, SDG 4 is premised on ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all . Also, by 2030, there should be the elimination of gender disparities in education and ensure equal access to all levels of education and vocational training for the vulnerable, including PwDs, indigenous people and children in vulnerable situations. Goal 4 also emphasized the need to build and upgrade education facilities that are child, disability and gender sensitive and provide safe, non-violent, inclusive and effective learning environments for all. This target addresses the need for adequate physical infrastructure and safe, inclusive environments that nurture learning for all, regardless of background or disability status. The UN Flagship Report on Disability and Sustainable Development Goals (UNFRDSDG) 2018, however, points out that PwDs still remain disadvantaged regardless of the global goals. The report highlights several good practices that would improve the livelihood of PwDs and other vulnerable groups of people to live a normal life in society through the slogan, “ Leave No One Behind”, including inclusion of PwDs (UNDP, 2015). This Sustainable Development Agenda focuses on equal participation of PWDs in all societal activities, as emphasized and provided for in the UNCRPD (2006). Whereas almost all countries in the world became signatories to the UN global development goals (SDGs) 2030, the implementation of this global agenda is being bogged down due to increased civil wars in various parts of the world, which in turn is affecting humanity as well as persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups. War affects the society and the country economically, socially and the health of the population (WHO, 2022). The current war between Ukraine and Russia is one of those that has continued to greatly impact the livelihood of people generally, including PwDs and other vulnerable groups. Through the effects of war, the realization of the UN Global Goals seems to have been a challenge, but the most affected groups seem to be PwDs in these two countries. It is from this background that the study intends to assess more about the effects, highlighting the challenges of war on PwDs and other vulnerable groups in Ukraine and Russia, the support services to be provided by the UN to PwDs, and the forms of rehabilitation that need to be provided to PwDs in Russia and Ukraine as part of the UN’s unfinished agenda. Research Questions This research paper seeks to answer the following questions: What are the challenges faced by the PWDs and other vulnerable groups in Ukraine and Russia due to war? What kind of support should be provided by the UN to PwDs and other vulnerable groups in the war-affected areas of Russia vs Ukraine? What forms of rehabilitation should be provided to PwDs and other vulnerable groups in the war-affected areas of Russia vs Ukraine? METHODOLOGY The study employs a qualitative, case study design using documentary review and thematic analysis to interpret the findings. Relevant documents, including published reports and scholarly articles, were selected purposively based on set criteria and analyzed thematically to identify key narratives and socio-political contexts, complemented by secondary scholarly articles. Each related literature/document was analyzed to identify key codes and narratives relevant to themes predetermined by the research questions. Ethical considerations, including correct representation and acknowledgement of sources, were upheld. This approach provided a detailed understanding of how the reviewed documents construct and link their subject matter within broader societal frameworks (Yin, 2018 ). The review focused on the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine with the view of assessing the adverse effects on service delivery to PwDs and other vulnerable groups in both countries, in order to bring their plight to the attention of global stakeholders. An extensive literature search was conducted from various databases, including Springer Nature, Scopus, ERIC, JSTOR, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and ResearchGate. The search focused on peer-reviewed journal articles, policy reviews and reliable reports published between 2010 and 2025 , identifying current trends in the armed conflict between Ukraine and Russia. Keywords and Boolean search strings were utilised to facilitate a complete coverage, including: “Disability inclusion” OR “inclusion of PwDs”, “Persons with disabilities” OR “vulnerable groups of persons”, “war” OR “Armed conflict”, “Barriers” OR “challenges”, “Rehabilitation” OR “reintegration” and “Support services” OR “Provisions”. Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria To ensure the rigour and significance of the documentary review, the search outcomes were screened and selected based on the following criteria: relevance to the topic, empirical studies, theoretical papers, published policy documents and reports concentrating on war contexts, especially the Ukraine and Russia conflict, research studies published in English, and concentrating on challenges, support services and rehabilitation required for PwDs and other vulnerable persons. Thus, all literature covering exclusively armed conflicts and their adverse effects on PwDs and other vulnerable groups, non-peer-reviewed sources, and essays without empirical or theoretical backing were excluded from the review. Selection and Analysis of Data The data from the sampled literature were logically extracted and presented in themes formulated from the research questions, including: Challenges Faced by PwDs and Other Vulnerable Groups, Support Services Expected from the United Nations and the forms of rehabilitation required. A qualitative thematic analysis approach was applied to process findings from the reviewed documents (Robinson, 2011; Braun & Clarke, 2006). This method enabled a thorough evaluation of the selected literature, serving as a measure to ensure accurate and polished findings. While no human participation was involved, ethical procedures, including the acknowledgement of views and citation of sources, as well as critical evaluation to prevent misrepresentation of the reviewed scholarly works. The reviewed documents aligned with the research questions were analyzed deductively. Therefore, the findings are presented in themes predetermined by the research questions. Despite the methodological differences, all findings are presented in a thematic manner. No statistical findings have been presented except summaries. FINDINGS Summary of the population and infrastructure affected by the Ukraine-Russia war Sr. No Particulars Number 1. PwDs (injured) 37,541 2. Persons dead 14,383 3. Children who died 738 4. Children injured 2,318 5. Schools & universities affected 3,600 6. Healthcare facilities 1523 7. Infrastructures 2.5m homes destroyed 8. Economic impact 7.1 million people are poor Source : Adapted from Statista Research Department (SRD, 2022); UNHCR (2022 & 2025) There are no conclusive data that have been provided on the number of people who have been affected by the war between Ukraine and Russia (UN, 2025). Nonetheless, the above provides a glimpse into the current population affected and infrastructure destroyed by the armed Ukraine-Russia conflict. It can be observed that over 37,541 PwDs received injuries since the full-scale war started, 14,383 have been killed, 2,318 children sustained injuries, and 738 have been killed. On the other hand, 1523 healthcare facilities, 2.5 million homes and 3,600 educational institutions have been damaged between 2022 and 2024, impoverishing 7.1 million people in eastern regions of Ukraine especially, suggesting that war has not only had direct bodily damage but also affected the country’s economy. The above data suggests a significant impact on humanity and livelihood, rendering PwDs more vulnerable due to their disabilities. Challenges Faced by PwDs and Other Vulnerable Groups Narratives analyzed from literature regarding the prevailing situation across Ukraine and Russia exposed persistent challenges related to accessibility, safety, and respect among PwDs, ageing persons, and persons displaced internally (IDPs). Data show consistency in the damage to existing road pavements, elevators, and modified transportation infrastructure systems, especially in eastern and southern Ukraine. For those with motor difficulties, hearing or vision impairments, these destructions made mandatory evacuation and protection under shelters almost impossible (IMPACT Initiatives & REACH, 2024; Balcanicaucaso, 2025 ; Kyiv School of Economics, 2025 ). Numerous reports indicate that many PwDs and vulnerable groups were left behind during rescue missions, alluding to inaccessible automobiles and shelters and the lack of competent service providers, the disappearance of caregivers, and unpredictable access to basic requirements such as heat, food and water. This highlights systemic discrimination from humanitarian support systems, making PwDs encounter severe consequences associated with abandonment and neglect in battle areas (McInnes, 2024 ; Zavirsek & Cox, 2024; OHCHR, 2025). Institutions that hosted PwDs with severe conditions and/or high dependent needs have been destroyed, exposing the residents to dire hygienic conditions, such as a lack of clean water and poor sewerage, and poor access to medical care. Likewise, some of the PwDs are used as human shields during the fighting due to failure to access bomb safe places, endangering their lives further (Sydoriv & Sydoriv, 2024 ; McInnes, 2024 ). In comparison, although direct bombardment was not extensive on the Russian side, findings reveal secondary impacts, including low economic activity, disrupted rehabilitation support services, and reduced access to imported assistive devices (ADs), which are attributed to the sanctions imposed by Western countries (WHO, 2024). The vulnerable population also suffered from social stigmatization towards displaced Ukrainians and anti-war citizens with disabilities, which exacerbated alienation. The PwDs, especially those with physical and sensory disabilities, are more susceptible to failing to escape danger, including death, to safer places. Findings indicate there are no conclusive statistics of the actual number of PwDs and/or vulnerable groups that were trapped and abandoned in homes (Zarembwa et al., 2024; Zaversik, 2024). This is attributed to not only physical barriers but also a lack of access to warning messages in tailored modes, which prevents them from preparing to evacuate during bombardments. Results also highlight that on either side of the conflicting nations, mental distress, trauma, and gender and disability-related violence are predominantly among women and children with disabilities living in informal shelters. This highlighted failure in incorporating disability inclusion and gender-based issues within humanitarian response processes leaves those with cross-cutting vulnerabilities at the greatest peril (Kang et al., 2023 ; Sydoriv & Sydoriv, 2024 ; United Nations Population Fund [UNFPA], 2025). The review highlights that the destruction of the healthcare facilities, especially in the eastern and southern regions of Ukraine, since the start of the war, has negatively affected access to quality rehabilitation services, especially social and medical care for PwDs and other vulnerable groups. Additionally, they are unable to receive home-based medical care that was previously available, while the cost of treatment, ADs, and other essentials has become out of reach for PwDs due to inflation (McInnes, 2024 ; Kyrychenko et al., 2024 ). Research also indicates that the full-scale armed conflict has significantly disrupted or disoriented access to education services for students with disabilities. The infrastructure of many educational institutions has been destroyed or repurposed by the militaries on both sides, or made inaccessible, undermining safe and conducive inclusive settings. Additionally, internal displacements have affected access to specialist services from teachers, as well as exacerbating gaps in ADs from teachers and other specialists that are vital for these students. For areas occupied by Russian soldiers, students are forced to learn Russian curricula, while restricting the use of the Ukrainian language, undermining the right to inclusive education under international law (Pustovoichenko, 2024; Sydoriv & Sydoriv, 2024 ; UNICEF, 2023). Support Services Expected from the United Nations Research indicates that the UN and its subordinate bodies must guarantee an inclusive philanthropical management, based on the UNCRPD (2006) and the Humanitarian Inclusion procedures for elderly persons, as well as PwDs ( Humanity & Inclusion, 2018). For instance, Ukrainians called for inclusive evacuation and transport facilities, specially tailored to the needs of PwDs and the elderly, access to and repair of Ads, disability-responsive psychological and psychosocial services interwoven within the healthcare mechanisms and direct involvement of Disabled Persons Organisations (DPOs) in the humanitarian arrangements and follow-up activities (UNDP, 2024). On the contrary, findings from the Russian side emphasized the necessity for impartial and non-political humanitarian networks to serve the needy and civilians with disabilities along the border areas. It is further suggested that UN bodies provide interventions in the form of disability-inclusive cash-transfer programs, restoration centres, and empowerment initiatives for resident social service workers ( Humanity & Inclusion, 2018; UNDP, 2024). Overall, the narratives urge the UN to implement interventions that extend beyond temporary respite to more sustainable ones informed by inclusive involvement of all stakeholders, emphasizing the need to treat PwDs as active partners and beneficiaries in rehabilitation, rather than passive recipients, as informed by global disability-rights frameworks (Grech & Soldatic, 2016 ). Forms of Rehabilitation Required The review frames the rehabilitation process as both physical reconstruction and social restoration. It is observed that it requires the renewal of individuals’ lives and the communities. The Ukrainian side emphasised the introduction of integrated rehabilitation intervention frameworks that combine bodily treatment, prosthetic fitting, psychotherapy, and vocational reskilling. Community-based rehabilitation (CBR) interventions grounded in human rights are considered effective for decentralising services and ensuring they reach rural communities and areas affected by war (McInnes, 2024 ; WHO, 2023; Zavirsek & Cox, 2024). Findings also suggest that global agencies cooperate with Ukrainian higher educational institutions, such as universities and NGOs, to provide skills training programs for newly trained rehabilitation experts and increase prosthetic production (WHO, 2023). Research also emphasises the need to de-institutionalise the rehabilitation of PwDS and promotion of family-based care, community support networks, as observed by the committee on the Rights of PwDs on deinstitutionalisation (McInnes, 2024 ). The review also cites considering evidence-based strategies to enhance the psychosocial well-being of PwDs (Weissbecker et al., 2023 ). Similarly, raising public awareness (Slonzanska et al., 2024), providing social and mental health services for the internally displaced PwDs and their families is highly recommended (Zarembwa-Kosovych et al., 2024) to reduce stigma. On the other hand, Russian civilians and veterans with injuries and impairments attributed to the war highlighted access to modern ADS as one of their challenges. It is observed that peer - support systems and alternative employment rehabilitation programs are needed to recover self-sufficiency (WHO, 2024). Research shows that having a multi-sectoral intervention involving health practitioners to plan, procure and provide appropriate ADs that meet the international standards set by WHO to PwDs. Additionally, training, appropriate prescription, fitting, and follow-up mechanisms should be implemented (Armitage, 2022 ). Equally, sports-based rehabilitation intervention has been highlighted as essential to war victims, including injured veterans and civilians and their vulnerable families (Castle et al., 2024 ). Sports activities are projected to mitigate post-traumatic stress, redefining identity, reducing anxiety and depression of victims, and offering transformative changes from self-pity due to the disability, to improved physical health, including weight loss, increased mobility and fitness, as well as emotional well-being. Across the two settings, the findings suggest that rehabilitation should be based on an all-inclusive human rights agenda, incorporating accessibility in housing, lifelong education, and livelihood restoration. This echoes the idea that rehabilitation should not only be about walking again, but also about living again. DISCUSSION The review of the literature surrounding the conflict between Ukraine and Russia indicates that PwDs and other helpless groups, including women, children, and older persons, are excessively affected by the ongoing war. In alignment with earlier scholarly works on philanthropy, the results indicate that the physical destruction of accessible infrastructure, psychological suffering, and general alienation from humanitarian arrangements continue to be noteworthy barriers to day-to-day living and inclusion (Kadir et al., 2019; Humanitarian Practice Network [ODI], 2020; OHCHR, 2025; Ortoleva & Lewis, 2012; UNICEF, 2018). This research aligns with the opinion that conflict exacerbates existing structural disparities (Grech & Soldatic, 2016). PwDs, who previously faced challenges in regard to mobility and medical care systems, became even more invisible as they faced multiple barriers during conflict evacuations and service delivery. Similarly, the WHO (2014) report observed that Humanitarian organizations’ responses often lack accountability for the mobility and medical needs of war victims, especially PwDs and other vulnerable persons. The narratives of PwDs being left behind, as revealed in the findings, show that emergency response systems often neglect inclusive design. In Ukraine, unreachable bomb shelters, devastated healthcare facilities, and internal displacements led to a breakdown in rehabilitation, triggering a decline in physical and mental health. The findings also indicate gender-based vulnerability . Women with disabilities reported increased risks of gender-based violence, manipulation, and social exclusion, corroborating international reports by UNFPA (2025) and a study by Vesco et al. (2025) that war settings aggravate intersectional maltreatment and result in further exclusion and marginalisation of PwDs and vulnerable groups such as girls, women and old persons. Children with disabilities suffer severe schooling interruptions and sexual violence, which aligns with findings from UNICEF (2018), arguing that armed conflicts infantilise and exacerbate humanitarian crises for children with disabilities. Research findings regarding the UN role highlight the persistent gap between international disability rights agendas and their execution in conflict settings . While the UNCRPD (2006) obliges comprehensive humanitarian actions, indications from Ukraine and Russia suggest that PwDs continue to be less represented in decision-making. The findings, therefore, underline an urgent need to strengthen Rehabilitation services, especially in Ukraine, during and post-war interventions. The above calls for inclusive, CBR-interventional programs and home-grown initiatives that align with WHO (2023) guidelines, focusing on inclusion efforts and decentralising services (Honey et al., 2011; Slonzanska et al., 2024) . Comparisons across both countries indicated that Ukrainians are more affected by direct war zone-related impairments, including physical, mental or psychological, while the Russians have had secondary consequences such as social stigma and economic decline (Kyrychenko et al., 2024). Nevertheless, both groups emphasised the reduction in accessing services and psychosocial care, indicating the general fragility of disability structures in times of military conflicts (Kang et al., 2023). CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS This study assesses the effects of war in relation to the challenges, provision of services and forms of rehabilitation needed for PwDs and other vulnerable groups in the war-affected countries of Russia and Ukraine by the UN. This study concludes that the conflict has exacerbated the alienation of PwDs and other vulnerable people by destroying the physical accessibility, negatively impacting the health and rehabilitation systems, and prolonging psychosocial suffering. The study reinforces the notion that inclusion must be seen as fundamental, not auxiliary, to humanitarian interventions . Comprehensive recovery necessitates sustained UN-led interventions that are informed by the UNCRPD’s human-rights obligations. This entails creating enabling conditions that enhance accessible evacuation procedures, rebuilding disability-friendly infrastructure, investing in mental health services and occupational rehabilitation, and empowering DPOs as partners in planning and evaluation (UNDP, 2023; WHO, 2024). Finally, rehabilitation and humanitarian support must surpass medical recovery to include holistic community reintegration , where PwDs can exercise their rights, contribute economically, and live with dignity. The study thus suggests the following: Policy implications: Institutionalization of inclusive disability-based instruments by world bodies such as the UN, WHO, and national governments within all philanthropic and post-armed conflict development agendas . Practical implications: adopting and increasing a CBR model of rehabilitation as part of the disability inclusion strategy to rehabilitate both physical and social infrastructures and participation of all stakeholders in the disability movement. Also, prioritizing psychosocial services which are responsive to gender and disability issues. Research implications: a c omparative study is required to evaluate the effects of armed conflicts and long-term reintegration outcomes and inclusive post-conflict rebuilding policies in post-war settings. Limitations of the paper This study, based on a documentary review, may have several limitations. The approach was restrictive due to its reliance on documentary and secondary data, which may have been obsolete, prejudiced, or inadequate. It may have fallen short of key empirical evidence to validate its findings, as well as exhibit partiality in interpreting documents, which can lead to subjectivity. Nevertheless, such an appraisal provides vital theoretical insights and lays a robust foundation for future empirical inquiries and the development of effective policies. Its core strengths are based on the extensive synthesis of existing literature, policies, and reports, enabling a comprehensive understanding of crucial trends, theoretical viewpoints, and knowledge gaps. It is also cost-effective, since it is built on existing sources that do not require a long time gathering of data from the field. Declarations Ethical Considerations: This research article did not require ethical approval. Consent was sought from every author to participate in the study. Competing Interests: The author(s) do not have any potential interest in the research, authorship, or publication of this research article. The authors received no financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article. Author Contribution Authors contribution Author 1. Idea generated and work on the overall layout of the manuscript, reviewed the manuscript Author2. Provided review of the literature and analysis, and corresponding to the manuscript as well as reviewed the manuscriptAuthor3. Work on the layout and discussion of the manuscript, reviewed the manuscriptAuthor 4. Overall layout and worked on the language of the manuscript, reviewed the manuscript Acknowledgement Central University of Punjab, Bathinda- India References Amnesty International. (2021). Ethiopia: The Tigray conflict – reports of violations and abuses. https://www.amnesty.org/en/location/africa/east-africa-the-horn-and-great-lakes/ethiopia/ Armitage, R. C. (2022). 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Sharma, A. (2020). Inclusive Science Education in Elementary and Secondary Schools With a Focus on Strategies for Teaching Science to Students With Visual Impairments (Doctoral dissertation, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research Mumbai). https://www.hbcse.tifr.res.in/academic/graduate-school/phd-projects/phd-thesis-amit-sharma-final.pdf Slozanska, H., Horishna, N., & Stoliaryk, O. (2024). Strengthening Social and Rehabilitation Services for Children with Disabilities in Wartime in Ukraine: There is No Time to Wait. Available at SSRN 5361899 . https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/Delivery.cfm?abstractid=5361899 Sydoriv, S., & Sydoriv, L. (2024). Inclusion in Ukraine. The Space of Inclusive Education: Voices from Ukraine and Beyond , 53 , 282. https://ifccyc7.pnu.edu.ua/wp-content/uploads/sites/113/2025/04/25.pdf Tugli, A. K., Klu, E. K., & Morwe, K. (2014). Critical elements of the social model of disability: Implications for students with disabilities in a South African institution of higher education. Journal of Social Sciences , 39 (3), 331-336. https://doi.org/10.1080/09718923.2014.11893295 United Nations (UN). (2018). UN Flagship Report on Disability and SDGs. Department of economic and social affairs, realizing SDGs by for and with PWDs, USA. https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/Documents/HRBodies/CRPD/UN2018FlagshipReportDisability.pdf United Nations (UN). (2020). UN Department of economies and social affairs on SDGs. Transforming our world: 2030 agenda for sustainable development. UN. https://sdgs.un.org/2030agenda UNICEF. (2022). 25 Years of Children and Armed Conflict: Taking action to protect children in war . Retrieved from https://www.unicef.org/reports/25-years-children-armed-conflict UNICEF. (2023, December). Ukraine Humanitarian Situation Report No. 35 . https://www.unicef.org/media/151076/file/Ukraine-Humanitarian-Situation-Report-December-2023.pdf United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). (2021). Afghanistan annual report on the protection of civilians in armed conflict. https://unama.unmissions.org/protection-of-civilians-reports United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). (2015). Human development report 2015: Work for human development . https://hdr.undp.org/system/files/documents/global-report-document/2015humandevelopmentreport1.pdf United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). (2023, June 19). Human impact of war in Ukraine [Report]. United Nations. https://ukraine.un.org/en/237103-human-impact-war-ukraine United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). (2025). Updated damage assessment finds $524 billion needed for recovery in Ukraine over next decade . https://www.undp.org/ukraine/press-releases/updated-damage-assessment-finds-524-billion-needed-recovery-ukraine-over-next-decade United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). (2021). Syria emergency. https://www.unhcr.org/syria-emergency.html United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). (2025, April 9). Voices from Ukraine. https://ukraine.unfpa.org/en/Voices-from-Ukraine United Nations. (2014). The convention on the rights of persons with disabilities : Training Guide. https://hritc.co/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/The-Convention-on-the-Rights-of-Persons-with-Disabilities-Training-Guide.pdf Vesco, P., Baliki, G., Brück, T., Döring, S., Eriksson, A., Fjelde, H., ... & Hegre, H. (2025). The impacts of armed conflict on human development: A review of the literature. World Development , 187 , 106806. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.worlddev.2024.106806 Weissbecker, I., Bhaird, C. N. A., Alves, V., Ventevogel, P., Willhoite, A., Hijazi, Z., ... & van Ommeren, M. (2023). A Minimum Service Package (MSP) to improve response to mental health and psychosocial needs in emergency situations. World Psychiatry , 22 (1), 161-162. https://doi.org/10.1002/wps.21048 World Bank. (2021). South Sudan overview. https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/southsudan/overview World Bank. (2025). Fragile and conflict-affected situations: Intertwined crises, multiple vulnerabilities . Retrieved from https://www.worldbank.org/en/research/publication/fragile-and-conflict-affected-situations-vulnerabilities World Health Organization (WHO). (2022). WHO-FIC 2022 Annual meeting: Poster booklet. https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/classification/who-fic-network/meetings/who-fic-network-annual-meeting-2022/whofic-2022_posters-sm.pdf?sfvrsn=c7de670f_1 . World Health Organization (WHO). (2023). Community-based rehabilitation guidelines. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240032461 World Health Organization (WHO). (2024). Rehabilitation in emergencies: Guidance for national systems under conflict conditions. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240047137 World Health Organization. (2014). Guidance note on disability and emergency risk management for health. WHO. https://iris.who.int/server/api/core/bitstreams/f11b59d9-712c-4ca3-b6a8-418f44fd2180/content Yin, R. K. (2018). Case study research research and application: Design and methods (6 th ed.). SAGE Publications. Yurtsever, S., & Hmaidan, F. M. (2019). From League Of Nations To The United Nations: What Is Next?. Journal of International Social Research , 12 (62). http://dx.doi.org/10.17719/jisr.2019.3067 Zaremba‐Kosovych, H., Verbilovich, V., Phillips, S. D., & Hemment, J. (2024). Disability studies in war and care: How to do work otherwise? A conversation between anthropology‐and‐disability‐studies scholars in relation to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Feminist Anthropology , 5 (1), 182–204. https://doi.org/10.1002/fea2.12138 Zaviršek, D., & Cox, J. (2024). Navigating minefields: Social work with people with disabilities in the context of war. Journal of Human Rights and Social Work , 9 (3), 441-452. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41134-024-00329-9 Additional Declarations No competing interests reported. Cite Share Download PDF Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. We do this by developing innovative software and high quality services for the global research community. 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long time without any encroachment by any other foreign countries. As one of the ways of promoting collaboration among world nations, it joined the commonwealth on 8th December 1991, following the signing of an agreement between Ukraine and Russia to form a new association, replacing the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR). Additionally, in an effort to promote global trade, Ukraine became a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2008. For years, both Ukraine and Russia have been working diligently to defend their positions as world superpowers while remaining members of the United Nations (UN), by adopting and implementing the UN\u0026rsquo;s global goals agenda, such as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) (2001\u0026ndash;2015) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (2015\u0026ndash;2030), among others. However, the implementation of these global goals requires total peace and security in the country. Unfortunately, Ukraine and some regions of Russia have not been enjoying peace and security due to the war that broke out between the two countries.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWar is an intensive means of furthering policy through violent armed conflict between countries or States, Governments and/or societies, whose results may lead to epidemics, famine or starvation, atrocities and genocide (Kilcullen, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2011\u003c/span\u003e; Marks, 2011). The UN, through its missions, has highlighted that beyond the war between Ukraine and Russia, several countries in the world have suffered destructive armed conflicts with disastrous humanitarian consequences. These include the civil war in Syria that displaced millions and destroyed infrastructure (United High Commission for Refugees [UNHCR], 2021), and the war in Yemen has caused enduring starvation and declined healthcare systems (Office of the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs [OCHA], 2020). Others include Ethiopia\u0026rsquo;s Tigray conflict (Amnesty International, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e), South Sudan (World Bank, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR54\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2021\u003c/span\u003e), the Democratic Republic of the Congo (Human Rights Watch, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e), Sudan and Nigeria (Vesco et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR52\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2025\u003c/span\u003e), and Afghanistan (United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan [UNAMA], 2021), which have perpetuated humanitarian suffering among the population. These crises demonstrate that large-scale armed conflicts continue to pose a significant global catastrophe, with unending negative consequences.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis situation requires collaborative support from various stakeholders, including the UN. For instance, the UN Security Council is mandated to end conflicts worldwide through diplomacy and mediation, with the assistance of UN special envoys and political missions (United Nations [UN], 2018). In the face of the UN\u0026rsquo;s failure to provide peace and security to different countries, however, this has led to the continued violation of Human rights.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWar or armed conflict disproportionately brings about suffering to humanity (McInnes, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2024\u003c/span\u003e). It imposes serious and multidimensional damage on societies, including interrupting economic activities, undermining access to vital essential services such as schooling and violating the rights of the most vulnerable populations, including loss of lives, mistreatment of civilians and racial segregation (Chi et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2015\u003c/span\u003e; Kadir, 2019; UNICEF, 2023; World Bank, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR55\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2025\u003c/span\u003e) and exacerbating poverty. Reports indicate that approximately 28.5\u0026nbsp;million primary school children worldwide reside in areas affected by conflict (United Nations Development Programme [UNDP], 2015). However, the war between Ukraine and Russia has contributed to devastating effects on the civilians of all ages, as internally displaced persons increased six times (Kyrychenko et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2024\u003c/span\u003e), and the 6.6\u0026nbsp;million PwDs living in Ukraine have not been spared. Besides, PwDs are estimated to have increased by more than 300,000 people (UNDP, 2025). It is observed that the ongoing war in Ukraine is likely to worsen the discrepancies in access to vital services for PwDs (Armitage, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn 1919, the League of Nations, an International organization, was formed at the end of World War I, which occurred from 1914 to 1918. The League of Nations had the following goals to be implemented by the UN General Assembly: Disarmament, preventing and ending wars, promoting peace and security, settling international disputes between countries through negotiations and agreements/treaties, promoting human rights, supporting former British Colonies (Commonwealth Countries) to attain their independence and improving global quality of life (Yurtsever \u0026amp; Hmaidan, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR61\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2019\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eUnfortunately, the UN General Assembly failed to end wars in most countries that had already attained independence. World War II later broke out, disrupting international peace and security worldwide. However, in 1945, the UN Charter was formed with three major aims, including: Realization of international peace and security, Promotion of international development through the UNDP and Promotion of human rights (Reif, 1946; Yurtsever \u0026amp; Hmaidan, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR61\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2019\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe year 1946 was considered the year that marked the end of all forms of inhuman treatment experienced by people worldwide. It was considered the year of enlightenment, as it aimed to bring many people from darkness to light (Reiff, 1946). During its enactment, the UDHR (1948) was not considered a legally binding document. However, it was later adopted as a legally binding document in 1966, when two other legally binding documents were established by the UN. These were the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ICESCR, 1966) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR, 1966). These three human rights documents are referred to as \u0026ldquo;The UN Bills of Rights or Human Rights Instruments\u0026rdquo; (Roberts, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR35\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2013\u003c/span\u003e). The implementation of these bills of rights was expected to end all forms of suffering among people worldwide.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDisability\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOver one 1\u0026nbsp;billion people worldwide (15%) of the total world population have disability, which occurs as a result of ageing, prevalence of non-communicable diseases and wars in various parts of the world (WHO, 2022). In Ukraine, 10.8% of the population had some form of permanent impairment by 2020 (Zaversik et al., 2024). However, the ongoing war has and may continue to increase the number of PwDs, especially in Ukraine, stemming from the suffering of the population as a consequence of physical injuries, psychological disorders and social disintegration (Mikheieva et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR26\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2025\u003c/span\u003e). Kyrychenko et al. (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2024\u003c/span\u003e) observe that the number of elderly persons with disabilities increased two-fold compared to the pre-conflict period in the war zones and highly concentrated displaced camps.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDisabilities are perceived differently by different organizations. Some of the arguments are examined below: Disability is a physical, mental and cognitive developmental condition that impairs, interferes with or limits one\u0026rsquo;s ability to engage in certain tasks. It also limits participation in performing daily activities (WHO, 2022). Disability may impose permanent or temporary limitations on an individual. According to UNCRPD (2006), disability refers to a situation where someone has a long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairment that may result from interaction with the environment, hindering their participation in society like others (UN, 2014). This suggests that the effect of war, which leads in most cases leads to to displacement, may cause trauma, physical impairment and/or injuries leading to disabilities to people who are involved.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe concept of disability is explained in three pathways: The Social, Medical, and Human Rights models. The social model of disability believes that disability is caused by the way society is organized, other than the person\u0026rsquo;s impairment or differences. This means that one\u0026rsquo;s inability to perform in an activity due to a disability may not be experienced, as long as society is accommodating to a person assumed to have a disability (Oliver, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR30\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2013\u003c/span\u003e; Sharma, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR37\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2020\u003c/span\u003e; Tugli et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR40\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2014\u003c/span\u003e). Meanwhile, the medical model of disability believes that disability is due to people\u0026rsquo;s impairment and differences. The impression is that disability can only be addressed by treatment (Retief \u0026amp; Letšosa, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR34\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e). In this perspective, disability is seen as an interaction between a person with a health condition and environmental or personal factors.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDisability inclusion refers to being acknowledged and/or recognized as an individual, regardless of the disability or condition, and being given equitable opportunities to participate in all activities and programmes, including social, developmental, employment, and rehabilitation, whether informal or formal (Rohwerder, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR36\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2015\u003c/span\u003e). Any services provided to PwDs can only be efficient if the consumers or final users are consulted and involved from the initial stages of such interventions. Thus, individuals with disabilities and Disabled Peoples\u0026rsquo; Organisations (DPOs) are crucial stakeholders during the initiation and implementation stages of policies and programmes meant to support the rehabilitation of vulnerable groups of persons, and war victims are not an exception (Kienzler et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAn \u0026ldquo;agenda\u0026rdquo;\u003c/b\u003e is a plan of action which is designed for people or a state to adopt and implement in order to promote universal peace and freedom (UN, 2020). According to the UN, the Sustainable Development Agenda (SDA) 2030 was identified as one of the strategies for achieving the SDGs by 2030 (Bin-Nashwan et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2024\u003c/span\u003e). It ensures the mobilization of people from different sectors to achieve these global goals. However, these goals are classified in at three different levels: global action which is meant to promote leadership through good governance and resource mobilization; local action which meant to provide for the establishment of frameworks to regulate operations of the Governments by enacting policies to approve budgets, creation of new cities and recruitment of local authorities; and finally, people\u0026rsquo;s action which refers to the involvement of all stakeholders, including youths, Civil Society, media, private sectors and academia to forge ways for transformations, hence sustainable development.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOn the one hand, an Unfinished Agenda refers to where a long-term development plan of an organization or body intended to be fulfilled within a specified period remains incomplete (Keijzer, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2013\u003c/span\u003e). For example, the UN introduced MDGs, which were meant to transform most of the developing countries in the world, but through the final assessment in 2015, it was realized that there were many gaps. This then led to the outlining of the SDGs (2015). Sustainable Development refers to a form of development that meets the needs of the current population without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs (UNDP, 2015). One of the primary objectives of the SDGs was to uplift war-torn countries and impoverished regions, promoting peace and alleviating poverty in affected areas (SDGs 1 \u0026amp; 16, 2015). Goal 1 aims to eradicate poverty by 2030, while Goal 16 seeks to promote peace, justice, as well as development of strong institutions. It was ratified by 185-member countries in the world to be implemented from 2015 to 2030, but as of now, the number of members has increased to 193. Before this period, the CRPD had also been ratified by the aforementioned countries.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe current UN development plan is, therefore, based on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Sustainable Development Agenda (SDA) 2030 (UNDP, 2015). This global agenda was established in 2015 as a follow-up to the implementation, achievements, challenges, and recommendations of the MDGs, which were to be achieved by 2015. These global goals were later ratified and adopted by 185 countries worldwide to be implemented by 2030. The plan identifies key issues to be implemented. For example, SDG 4 is premised on ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for \u003cb\u003eall\u003c/b\u003e. Also, by 2030, there should be the elimination of gender disparities in education and ensure equal access to all levels of education and vocational training for the vulnerable, including PwDs, indigenous people and children in vulnerable situations. Goal 4 also emphasized the need to build and upgrade education facilities that are child, disability and gender sensitive and provide safe, non-violent, inclusive and effective learning environments for all. This target addresses the need for adequate physical infrastructure and safe, inclusive environments that nurture learning for all, regardless of background or disability status.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe UN Flagship Report on Disability and Sustainable Development Goals (UNFRDSDG) 2018, however, points out that PwDs still remain disadvantaged regardless of the global goals. The report highlights several good practices that would improve the livelihood of PwDs and other vulnerable groups of people to live a normal life in society through the slogan, \u003cb\u003e\u0026ldquo;\u003c/b\u003eLeave No One Behind\u0026rdquo;, including inclusion of PwDs (UNDP, 2015). This Sustainable Development Agenda focuses on equal participation of PWDs in all societal activities, as emphasized and provided for in the UNCRPD (2006).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhereas almost all countries in the world became signatories to the UN global development goals (SDGs) 2030, the implementation of this global agenda is being bogged down due to increased civil wars in various parts of the world, which in turn is affecting humanity as well as persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups. War affects the society and the country economically, socially and the health of the population (WHO, 2022). The current war between Ukraine and Russia is one of those that has continued to greatly impact the livelihood of people generally, including PwDs and other vulnerable groups.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThrough the effects of war, the realization of the UN Global Goals seems to have been a challenge, but the most affected groups seem to be PwDs in these two countries. It is from this background that the study intends to assess more about the effects, highlighting the challenges of war on PwDs and other vulnerable groups in Ukraine and Russia, the support services to be provided by the UN to PwDs, and the forms of rehabilitation that need to be provided to PwDs in Russia and Ukraine as part of the UN\u0026rsquo;s unfinished agenda.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec3\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eResearch Questions\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis research paper seeks to answer the following questions:\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003col\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhat are the challenges faced by the PWDs and other vulnerable groups in Ukraine and Russia due to war?\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhat kind of support should be provided by the UN to PwDs and other vulnerable groups in the war-affected areas of Russia vs Ukraine?\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhat forms of rehabilitation should be provided to PwDs and other vulnerable groups in the war-affected areas of Russia vs Ukraine?\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/ol\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"METHODOLOGY","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe study employs a qualitative, case study design using documentary review and thematic analysis to interpret the findings. Relevant documents, including published reports and scholarly articles, were selected purposively based on set criteria and analyzed thematically to identify key narratives and socio-political contexts, complemented by secondary scholarly articles. Each related literature/document was analyzed to identify key codes and narratives relevant to themes predetermined by the research questions. Ethical considerations, including correct representation and acknowledgement of sources, were upheld. This approach provided a detailed understanding of how the reviewed documents construct and link their subject matter within broader societal frameworks (Yin, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR60\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2018\u003c/span\u003e). The review focused on the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine with the view of assessing the adverse effects on service delivery to PwDs and other vulnerable groups in both countries, in order to bring their plight to the attention of global stakeholders.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAn extensive literature search was conducted from various databases, including Springer Nature, Scopus, ERIC, JSTOR, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and ResearchGate. The search focused on peer-reviewed journal articles, policy reviews and reliable reports published between \u003cb\u003e2010 and 2025\u003c/b\u003e, identifying current trends in the armed conflict between Ukraine and Russia. Keywords and \u003cem\u003eBoolean\u003c/em\u003e search strings were utilised to facilitate a complete coverage, including: \u0026ldquo;Disability inclusion\u0026rdquo; OR \u0026ldquo;inclusion of PwDs\u0026rdquo;, \u0026ldquo;Persons with disabilities\u0026rdquo; OR \u0026ldquo;vulnerable groups of persons\u0026rdquo;, \u0026ldquo;war\u0026rdquo; OR \u0026ldquo;Armed conflict\u0026rdquo;, \u0026ldquo;Barriers\u0026rdquo; OR \u0026ldquo;challenges\u0026rdquo;, \u0026ldquo;Rehabilitation\u0026rdquo; OR \u0026ldquo;reintegration\u0026rdquo; and \u0026ldquo;Support services\u0026rdquo; OR \u0026ldquo;Provisions\u0026rdquo;.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eInclusion and Exclusion Criteria\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo ensure the rigour and significance of the documentary review, the search outcomes were screened and selected based on the following criteria: relevance to the topic, empirical studies, theoretical papers, published policy documents and reports concentrating on war contexts, especially the Ukraine and Russia conflict, research studies published in English, and concentrating on challenges, support services and rehabilitation required for PwDs and other vulnerable persons. Thus, all literature covering exclusively armed conflicts and their adverse effects on PwDs and other vulnerable groups, non-peer-reviewed sources, and essays without empirical or theoretical backing were excluded from the review.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSelection and Analysis of Data\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe data from the sampled literature were logically extracted and presented in themes formulated from the research questions, including: Challenges Faced by PwDs and Other Vulnerable Groups, Support Services Expected from the United Nations and the forms of rehabilitation required. A qualitative thematic analysis approach was applied to process findings from the reviewed documents (Robinson, 2011; Braun \u0026amp; Clarke, 2006). This method enabled a thorough evaluation of the selected literature, serving as a measure to ensure accurate and polished findings. While no human participation was involved, ethical procedures, including the acknowledgement of views and citation of sources, as well as critical evaluation to prevent misrepresentation of the reviewed scholarly works. The reviewed documents aligned with the research questions were analyzed deductively. Therefore, the findings are presented in themes predetermined by the research questions. Despite the methodological differences, all findings are presented in a thematic manner. No statistical findings have been presented except summaries.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"FINDINGS","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec8\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSummary of the population and infrastructure affected by the Ukraine-Russia war\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"No\" id=\"Taba\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"3\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSr. No\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eParticulars\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNumber\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePwDs (injured)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e37,541\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePersons dead\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e14,383\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eChildren who died\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e738\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eChildren injured\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2,318\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSchools \u0026amp; universities affected\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3,600\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eHealthcare facilities\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1523\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e7.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eInfrastructures\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.5m homes destroyed\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e8.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eEconomic impact\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e7.1\u0026nbsp;million people are poor\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003ctfoot\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSource\u003c/b\u003e: \u003cem\u003eAdapted from Statista Research Department (SRD, 2022);\u003c/em\u003e UNHCR (2022 \u0026amp; 2025)\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tfoot\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThere are no conclusive data that have been provided on the number of people who have been affected by the war between Ukraine and Russia (UN, 2025). Nonetheless, the above provides a glimpse into the current population affected and infrastructure destroyed by the armed Ukraine-Russia conflict. It can be observed that over 37,541 PwDs received injuries since the full-scale war started, 14,383 have been killed, 2,318 children sustained injuries, and 738 have been killed. On the other hand, 1523 healthcare facilities, 2.5\u0026nbsp;million homes and 3,600 educational institutions have been damaged between 2022 and 2024, impoverishing 7.1\u0026nbsp;million people in eastern regions of Ukraine especially, suggesting that war has not only had direct bodily damage but also affected the country\u0026rsquo;s economy. The above data suggests a significant impact on humanity and livelihood, rendering PwDs more vulnerable due to their disabilities.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eChallenges Faced by PwDs and Other Vulnerable Groups\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNarratives analyzed from literature regarding the prevailing situation across Ukraine and Russia exposed persistent challenges related to accessibility, safety, and respect among PwDs, ageing persons, and persons displaced internally (IDPs). Data show consistency in the damage to existing road pavements, elevators, and modified transportation infrastructure systems, especially in eastern and southern Ukraine. For those with motor difficulties, hearing or vision impairments, these destructions made mandatory evacuation and protection under shelters almost impossible (IMPACT Initiatives \u0026amp; REACH, 2024; Balcanicaucaso, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2025\u003c/span\u003e; Kyiv School of Economics, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2025\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eNumerous reports indicate that many PwDs and vulnerable groups were left behind during rescue missions, alluding to inaccessible automobiles and shelters and the lack of competent service providers, the disappearance of caregivers, and unpredictable access to basic requirements such as heat, food and water. This highlights systemic discrimination from humanitarian support systems, making PwDs encounter severe consequences associated with abandonment and neglect in battle areas (McInnes, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2024\u003c/span\u003e; Zavirsek \u0026amp; Cox, 2024; OHCHR, 2025).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eInstitutions that hosted PwDs with severe conditions and/or high dependent needs have been destroyed, exposing the residents to dire hygienic conditions, such as a lack of clean water and poor sewerage, and poor access to medical care. Likewise, some of the PwDs are used as human shields during the fighting due to failure to access bomb safe places, endangering their lives further (Sydoriv \u0026amp; Sydoriv, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR39\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2024\u003c/span\u003e; McInnes, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2024\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn comparison, although direct bombardment was not extensive on the Russian side, findings reveal secondary impacts, including low economic activity, disrupted rehabilitation support services, and reduced access to imported assistive devices (ADs), which are attributed to the sanctions imposed by Western countries (WHO, 2024). The vulnerable population also suffered from social stigmatization towards displaced Ukrainians and anti-war citizens with disabilities, which exacerbated alienation.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe PwDs, especially those with physical and sensory disabilities, are more susceptible to failing to escape danger, including death, to safer places. Findings indicate there are no conclusive statistics of the actual number of PwDs and/or vulnerable groups that were trapped and abandoned in homes (Zarembwa et al., 2024; Zaversik, 2024). This is attributed to not only physical barriers but also a lack of access to warning messages in tailored modes, which prevents them from preparing to evacuate during bombardments.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eResults also highlight that on either side of the conflicting nations, mental distress, trauma, and gender and disability-related violence are predominantly among women and children with disabilities living in informal shelters. This highlighted failure in incorporating disability inclusion and gender-based issues within humanitarian response processes leaves those with cross-cutting vulnerabilities at the greatest peril (Kang et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2023\u003c/span\u003e; Sydoriv \u0026amp; Sydoriv, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR39\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2024\u003c/span\u003e; United Nations Population Fund [UNFPA], 2025).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe review highlights that the destruction of the healthcare facilities, especially in the eastern and southern regions of Ukraine, since the start of the war, has negatively affected access to quality rehabilitation services, especially social and medical care for PwDs and other vulnerable groups. Additionally, they are unable to receive home-based medical care that was previously available, while the cost of treatment, ADs, and other essentials has become out of reach for PwDs due to inflation (McInnes, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2024\u003c/span\u003e; Kyrychenko et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2024\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eResearch also indicates that the full-scale armed conflict has significantly disrupted or disoriented access to education services for students with disabilities. The infrastructure of many educational institutions has been destroyed or repurposed by the militaries on both sides, or made inaccessible, undermining safe and conducive inclusive settings. Additionally, internal displacements have affected access to specialist services from teachers, as well as exacerbating gaps in ADs from teachers and other specialists that are vital for these students. For areas occupied by Russian soldiers, students are forced to learn Russian curricula, while restricting the use of the Ukrainian language, undermining the right to inclusive education under international law (Pustovoichenko, 2024; Sydoriv \u0026amp; Sydoriv, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR39\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2024\u003c/span\u003e; UNICEF, 2023).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSupport Services Expected from the United Nations\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eResearch indicates that the UN and its subordinate bodies must guarantee an inclusive philanthropical management, based on the UNCRPD (2006) and the Humanitarian Inclusion procedures for elderly persons, as well as PwDs \u003cem\u003e(\u003c/em\u003eHumanity \u0026amp; Inclusion, 2018). For instance, Ukrainians called for inclusive evacuation and transport facilities, specially tailored to the needs of PwDs and the elderly, access to and repair of Ads, disability-responsive psychological and psychosocial services interwoven within the healthcare mechanisms and direct involvement of Disabled Persons Organisations (DPOs) in the humanitarian arrangements and follow-up activities (UNDP, 2024).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOn the contrary, findings from the Russian side emphasized the necessity for impartial and non-political humanitarian networks to serve the needy and civilians with disabilities along the border areas. It is further suggested that UN bodies provide interventions in the form of disability-inclusive cash-transfer programs, restoration centres, and empowerment initiatives for resident social service workers \u003cem\u003e(\u003c/em\u003eHumanity \u0026amp; Inclusion, 2018; UNDP, 2024).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOverall, the narratives urge the UN to implement interventions that extend beyond temporary respite to more sustainable ones informed by inclusive involvement of all stakeholders, emphasizing the need to treat PwDs as active partners and beneficiaries in rehabilitation, rather than passive recipients, as informed by global disability-rights frameworks (Grech \u0026amp; Soldatic, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2016\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec11\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eForms of Rehabilitation Required\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe review frames the rehabilitation process as both physical reconstruction and social restoration. It is observed that it requires the renewal of individuals\u0026rsquo; lives and the communities. The Ukrainian side emphasised the introduction of integrated rehabilitation intervention frameworks that combine bodily treatment, prosthetic fitting, psychotherapy, and vocational reskilling. Community-based rehabilitation (CBR) interventions grounded in human rights are considered effective for decentralising services and ensuring they reach rural communities and areas affected by war (McInnes, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2024\u003c/span\u003e; WHO, 2023; Zavirsek \u0026amp; Cox, 2024). Findings also suggest that global agencies cooperate with Ukrainian higher educational institutions, such as universities and NGOs, to provide skills training programs for newly trained rehabilitation experts and increase prosthetic production (WHO, 2023). Research also emphasises the need to de-institutionalise the rehabilitation of PwDS and promotion of family-based care, community support networks, as observed by the committee on the Rights of PwDs on deinstitutionalisation (McInnes, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2024\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe review also cites considering evidence-based strategies to enhance the psychosocial well-being of PwDs (Weissbecker et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR53\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2023\u003c/span\u003e). Similarly, raising public awareness (Slonzanska et al., 2024), providing social and mental health services for the internally displaced PwDs and their families is highly recommended (Zarembwa-Kosovych et al., 2024) to reduce stigma.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOn the other hand, Russian civilians and veterans with injuries and impairments attributed to the war highlighted access to modern ADS as one of their challenges. It is observed that peer\u003cb\u003e-\u003c/b\u003esupport systems and alternative employment rehabilitation programs are needed to recover self-sufficiency (WHO, 2024).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eResearch shows that having a multi-sectoral intervention involving health practitioners to plan, procure and provide appropriate ADs that meet the international standards set by WHO to PwDs. Additionally, training, appropriate prescription, fitting, and follow-up mechanisms should be implemented (Armitage, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2022\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEqually, sports-based rehabilitation intervention has been highlighted as essential to war victims, including injured veterans and civilians and their vulnerable families (Castle et al., \u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2024\u003c/span\u003e). Sports activities are projected to mitigate post-traumatic stress, redefining identity, reducing anxiety and depression of victims, and offering transformative changes from self-pity due to the disability, to improved physical health, including weight loss, increased mobility and fitness, as well as emotional well-being.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAcross the two settings, the findings suggest that rehabilitation should be based on an all-inclusive human rights agenda, incorporating accessibility in housing, lifelong education, and livelihood restoration. This echoes the idea that rehabilitation should not only be about walking again, but also about living again.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"DISCUSSION","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe review of the literature surrounding the conflict between Ukraine and Russia indicates that PwDs and other helpless groups, including women, children, and older persons, are excessively affected by the ongoing war. In alignment with earlier scholarly works on philanthropy, the results indicate that the physical destruction of accessible infrastructure, psychological suffering, and general alienation from humanitarian arrangements continue to be\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;noteworthy\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003ebarriers to day-to-day living and inclusion (Kadir et al., 2019; Humanitarian Practice Network [ODI], 2020; OHCHR, 2025; Ortoleva \u0026amp; Lewis, 2012; UNICEF, 2018).\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis research aligns with the opinion that conflict exacerbates\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eexisting structural disparities\u003c/strong\u003e (Grech \u0026amp; Soldatic, 2016). PwDs, who previously faced challenges in regard to mobility and medical care systems, became even more invisible as they faced multiple barriers during conflict evacuations and service delivery. Similarly, the WHO (2014) report observed that Humanitarian organizations\u0026rsquo; responses often lack accountability for the mobility and medical needs of war victims, especially PwDs and other vulnerable persons. The narratives of PwDs being left behind, as revealed in the findings, show that emergency response systems often neglect inclusive design. In Ukraine, unreachable bomb shelters, devastated healthcare facilities, and internal displacements led to a breakdown in rehabilitation, triggering a decline in physical and mental health.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe findings also indicate \u003cstrong\u003egender-based vulnerability\u003c/strong\u003e. Women with disabilities reported increased risks of gender-based violence, manipulation, and social exclusion, corroborating international reports by UNFPA (2025) and a study by Vesco et al. (2025) that war settings aggravate intersectional maltreatment and result in further exclusion and marginalisation of PwDs and vulnerable groups such as girls, women and old persons. Children with disabilities suffer severe schooling interruptions and sexual violence, which aligns with findings from UNICEF (2018), arguing that armed conflicts infantilise and exacerbate humanitarian crises for children with disabilities.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eResearch findings regarding the UN role highlight the persistent gap between international disability rights agendas and their \u003cstrong\u003eexecution in conflict settings\u003c/strong\u003e. While the \u003cem\u003eUNCRPD\u003c/em\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/em\u003e(2006) obliges comprehensive humanitarian actions, indications from Ukraine and Russia suggest that PwDs continue to be less represented in decision-making. The findings, therefore, underline an urgent need to strengthen Rehabilitation services, especially in Ukraine, during and post-war interventions. The above calls for inclusive, CBR-interventional programs and home-grown initiatives that align with WHO (2023) guidelines, focusing on inclusion efforts and decentralising\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;services (Honey et al., 2011; Slonzanska et al., 2024)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e.\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eComparisons across both countries indicated that Ukrainians are more affected by direct war zone-related impairments, including physical, mental or psychological, while the Russians have had secondary consequences such as social stigma and economic decline (Kyrychenko et al., 2024). Nevertheless, both groups emphasised the reduction in accessing services and psychosocial care, indicating the general fragility of disability structures in times of military conflicts (Kang et al., 2023).\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS","content":"\u003cp\u003eThis study assesses the effects of war in relation to the challenges, provision of services and forms of rehabilitation needed for PwDs and other vulnerable groups in the war-affected countries of Russia and Ukraine by the UN.\u0026nbsp;This study concludes that the conflict has exacerbated the alienation of PwDs and other vulnerable people by destroying the physical accessibility, negatively impacting the health and rehabilitation systems, and prolonging psychosocial suffering. The study reinforces the notion that\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003einclusion must be seen as fundamental, not auxiliary, to humanitarian interventions\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eComprehensive recovery necessitates sustained UN-led interventions that are informed by the UNCRPD\u0026rsquo;s human-rights obligations. This entails creating enabling conditions that enhance accessible evacuation procedures, rebuilding disability-friendly infrastructure, investing in mental health services and occupational rehabilitation, and empowering DPOs as partners in planning and evaluation (UNDP, 2023; WHO, 2024).\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eFinally, rehabilitation and humanitarian support must surpass medical recovery to include \u003cstrong\u003eholistic community reintegration\u003c/strong\u003e, where PwDs can exercise their rights, contribute economically, and live with dignity. The study thus suggests the following:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePolicy implications: Institutionalization of inclusive disability-based instruments by world bodies such as the UN, WHO, and national governments within all philanthropic and post-armed conflict development agendas\u003c/strong\u003e.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003ePractical implications: adopting and increasing a CBR model of rehabilitation as part of the disability inclusion strategy to rehabilitate both physical and social infrastructures and participation of all stakeholders in the disability movement. Also, prioritizing psychosocial services which are responsive to gender and disability issues.\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eResearch implications: a c\u003c/strong\u003eomparative study is required to evaluate the effects of armed conflicts and \u003cstrong\u003elong-term\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ereintegration outcomes\u003c/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003einclusive post-conflict rebuilding policies\u003c/strong\u003e in post-war settings.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLimitations of the paper\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis study, based on a documentary review, may have several limitations. The approach was restrictive due to its reliance on documentary and secondary data, which may have been obsolete, prejudiced, or inadequate. It may have fallen short of key empirical evidence to validate its findings, as well as exhibit partiality in interpreting documents, which can lead to subjectivity. Nevertheless, such an appraisal provides vital theoretical insights and lays a robust foundation for future empirical inquiries and the development of effective policies. Its core strengths are based on the extensive synthesis of existing literature, policies, and reports, enabling a comprehensive understanding of crucial trends, theoretical viewpoints, and knowledge gaps. It is also cost-effective, since it is built on existing sources that do not require a long time gathering of data from the field.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEthical Considerations:\u003c/strong\u003e This research article did not require ethical approval. Consent was sought from every author to participate in the study.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompeting Interests:\u003c/strong\u003e The author(s) do not have any potential interest in the research, authorship, or publication of this research article. The authors received no financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAuthor Contribution\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAuthors contribution Author 1. Idea generated and work on the overall layout of the manuscript, reviewed the manuscript Author2. Provided review of the literature and analysis, and corresponding to the manuscript as well as reviewed the manuscriptAuthor3. Work on the layout and discussion of the manuscript, reviewed the manuscriptAuthor 4. Overall layout and worked on the language of the manuscript, reviewed the manuscript\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAcknowledgement\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eCentral University of Punjab, Bathinda- India\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAmnesty International. (2021). \u003cem\u003eEthiopia: The Tigray conflict \u0026ndash; reports of violations and abuses.\u003c/em\u003e https://www.amnesty.org/en/location/africa/east-africa-the-horn-and-great-lakes/ethiopia/\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eArmitage, R. C. (2022). War in Ukraine: public health, rehabilitation and assistive technologies. \u003cem\u003eDisability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e17\u003c/em\u003e(8), 989-990. https://doi.org/10.1080/17483107.2022.2110950 \u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBalcanicaucaso. 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A conversation between anthropology‐and‐disability‐studies scholars in relation to Russia\u0026apos;s invasion of Ukraine. \u003cem\u003eFeminist Anthropology\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e5\u003c/em\u003e(1), 182\u0026ndash;204. https://doi.org/10.1002/fea2.12138 \u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eZavir\u0026scaron;ek, D., \u0026amp; Cox, J. (2024). Navigating minefields: Social work with people with disabilities in the context of war. \u003cem\u003eJournal of Human Rights and Social Work\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003e9\u003c/em\u003e(3), 441-452. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41134-024-00329-9\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":true,"hideJournal":true,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"War, Disability, Disability Inclusion, United Nations \u0026 Unfinished Agenda","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-8005475/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-8005475/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003eWar has indiscriminate and disproportionate effects on humanity. This study assesses the effects of wars on the provision of services to PwDs and other vulnerable groups by the United Nations (UN) in the war-affected countries. This study assesses the effects of wars in relation to the challenges, support services expected from the UN and forms of rehabilitation needed for PwDs and other vulnerable groups in the war-affected countries of Russia and Ukraine by the UN. This study employed a case study design to best assess and understand the phenomenon through a documentary review. Thematic analysis enabled the findings to be processed and systematically presented. The findings reveal that the conflict has aggravated the isolation of PwDs and other vulnerable people, affecting the physical accessibility, negatively impacting the healthcare and rehabilitation systems, and prolonging psychosocial suffering. It was found that PwDs and other vulnerable groups have high expectations from the UN and other humanitarian organizations to ensure access to and sustainability of support services and rehabilitation interventions during and post-war period. The study, therefore, suggests best practices that UN-led stakeholders should undertake.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"War and Disability Inclusion in Ukraine and Russia: The United Nations Unfinished Agenda","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2025-11-10 06:38:02","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-8005475/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"be1ca8f0-adbd-481b-b903-7051533067b5","owner":[],"postedDate":"November 10th, 2025","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"posted","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2026-01-21T21:09:23+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2025-11-10 06:38:02","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-8005475","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-8005475","identity":"rs-8005475","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"8U1c8b4HqxoKbykW_rLl7","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}