In a tight, sixteen-page document, Doctors Without Borders MSF presents a stark account of the civilian toll in Ukraine as a new wave of testimony arrives from patients evacuated during more than three months of intense fighting. The report centers on the experiences of those wounded in the conflict, offering a window into how military actions have affected ordinary people and the harsh realities faced by those who were trying to reach safety or receive care.
According to MSF, the physical injuries described by patients highlight the brutal nature of the violence. Wounds described by medical teams point to a level of harm that extends beyond battlefield engagements, affecting homes, hospitals, and streets where civilians sought refuge. The message from MSF emergency coordinators in Ukraine is clear: the invasive nature of the attacks has caused substantial suffering among noncombatants and has left many without adequate medical care as the conflict surged across the region. The testimony indicates that the damage was not limited to any single target, and that civilian areas bore the brunt of heavy weapons and indiscriminate strikes while people attempted to escape danger or find safer places to live.
residential areas
To ensure patients could access timely treatment, a dedicated medicalized transport network moved them from the nearest hospitals near the front lines in the east to facilities further west where care could continue. Between March 31 and June 6, hundreds of patients were carried through this service, with many evacuated individuals arriving in more advanced care settings after sustaining serious injuries. The accounts from MSF emphasize that many evacuees were hurt during military offensives that targeted civilian settlements. Although it is difficult to determine with certainty the precise intent behind each attack, the pattern is unmistakable: the use of heavy weaponry in populated areas brought a high risk of civilian casualties, a fact that is widely acknowledged by medical teams on the ground. This reality underscores the humanitarian imperative to protect noncombatants and ensure access to essential medical treatment even amid active hostilities.
The report notes that the majority of injuries among evacuees were blast-related, reflecting the destructive power of explosions in densely populated zones. Among those injured by war-related violence, a notable portion were children or older adults. The figures cited reveal that a significant share of patients faced long-term consequences, with some losing limbs or suffering other catastrophic injuries. The youngest patient described in the testimony was six years old, reminding readers of the vulnerability of the youngest members of affected communities. These outcomes illustrate the lasting impact of the conflict on health and mobility, as well as the ongoing needs of survivors who require ongoing medical and rehabilitative care.