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Life in Ukraine

The Constant Battle to Save Civilian Lives in Mykolaiv Amid Relentless Russian Attacks

The Constant Battle to Save Civilian Lives in Mykolaiv Amid Relentless Russian Attacks

Despite Russia’s ongoing assaults, Mykolaiv’s healthcare professionals continue to deliver critical care at the Regional Clinical Hospital, prioritizing patient recovery and support.

2 min read
Authors
Mykyta Shandyba
Mykyta Shandyba
Photographer

Mykolaiv—a city in southern Ukraine—has been a constant target of Russia’s attacks since the first days of the full-scale invasion. Daily shelling, drone strikes, and missile attacks have become the harsh reality for its residents. Yet, even under these conditions, doctors continue to work tirelessly, saving the lives of those wounded by war.

Two operations are performed in one operating room. Every day, surgeons and doctors perform numerous surgeries to save the lives of those in need, including the wounded who have suffered as a result of Russian aggression.
Two operations are performed in one operating room. Every day, surgeons and doctors perform numerous surgeries to save the lives of those in need, including the wounded who have suffered as a result of Russian aggression.

The Mykolaiv Regional Clinical Hospital has become a lifeline not only for the city’s residents but also for people from neighboring Kherson and the part of Kherson Oblast under Ukrainian control. This hospital receives all those who survive Russian missile strikes, shelling, and drone attacks.

When I arrived here, I witnessed a high level of organization, professionalism, and, most importantly, humanity. The first thing that caught my attention was the modern rehabilitation department. It is equipped with everything necessary for patients recovering from severe injuries: hand mobility trainers, specialized equipment for restoring physical activity, and systems designed to aid recovery from serious trauma and illnesses.

A man recovering at the rehabilitation center of the Mykolaiv Regional Clinical Hospital after sustaining injuries.
A man recovering at the rehabilitation center of the Mykolaiv Regional Clinical Hospital after sustaining injuries.
Medical staff dress a man’s wounds after he sustained injuries from a mine-explosive trauma caused by a Russian shell.
Medical staff dress a man’s wounds after he sustained injuries from a mine-explosive trauma caused by a Russian shell.
The nurse on duty checks and monitors newborns and their mothers in the ward.
The nurse on duty checks and monitors newborns and their mothers in the ward.
The staff of one of the hospital departments together with the lead doctor (in blue coat).
The staff of one of the hospital departments together with the lead doctor (in blue coat).

But rehabilitation is only part of the work that the doctors do. As we walked through the hospital wards, we saw elderly patients—some victims of Russian shelling, others suffering from chronic illnesses requiring constant care. They are all under the supervision of doctors working in extreme conditions, knowing that any day could bring new waves of wounded civilians after yet another Russian attack. These medical professionals are not just doing their jobs; they are literally pulling people back from the brink, often while under constant threat.

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