The Crisis in Ukraine and People with Disabilities

Author: Thomas C. Weiss
Published: 2014/03/31 - Updated: 2025/03/03
Publication Type: Opinion Piece, Editorial
Category Topic: Disability Political Editorials - Academic Publications

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main - Insights, Updates

Synopsis: This article dives into the challenges faced by people with disabilities in Ukraine during the 2014 political crisis, shedding light on how global conflicts ripple out to affect vulnerable groups. It's a compelling read because it connects the dots between military actions, like Russia's moves in Crimea, and the everyday struggles of those with disabilities - think unemployment and inaccessible buildings. Written with a clear, thoughtful voice by someone who's done their homework, it's not just scholarly in its depth but practical too, offering insights that could resonate with anyone curious about how world events hit close to home for seniors or those with disabilities. It's the kind of piece that makes you think twice about what's really at stake when nations clash - Disabled World (DW).

Introduction

The world today has around 1 Billion people who experience some form of disability. The nation of Ukraine is not unlike every other nation around the world, it has people who experience forms of disabilities as well. One of the issues people with disabilities in Ukraine experience is, not surprisingly, employment. Another issue they have to deal with is architecture that is aging and not accessible.

Main Content

Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. Ukraine borders Russia to the east and northeast, Belarus to the northwest, Poland, Slovakia and Hungary to the west, Romania and Moldova to the southwest, and the Black Sea and Sea of Azov to the south and southeast, respectively. Crimea is under de facto control by Russia, which claims sovereignty over it.

Russia has stated that it is concerned about the well-being of citizens within the nation of Ukraine. To express its concern over the safety and well-being of people living in Ukraine, Russia has chosen to use military force to take over Crimea, and position around 100,000 soldiers, tanks, special forces, and assorted military hardware all along the border with Ukraine. The financial costs to pursue this military objective, for whatever reason, must be massive.

Mr. Putin, the leader of Russia, has made no statement whatsoever that I have been able to find concerning the well-being of People with Disabilities living in either Ukraine or Crimea. Instead of spending money to improve access to public buildings in the nation of Ukraine, Mr. Putin has chosen to spend large amounts of money on tanks, guns, soldiers, and military activities. He has chosen to place additional burdens on the population of Russia, to include People with Disabilities there, because of his military financial expenditures and the sanctions placed on Russia because of his actions.

America is no innocent lamb - simply look at Iraq and Afghanistan. The results are horrendous, with vast numbers of civilians and soldiers experiencing new disabilities due to military actions taken. The financial costs for America's military actions in these nations has already reached stacks of cash that this writer is unable to realistically imagine.

While I cannot speak for the nation of Russia and the People with Disabilities present in the nation, information regarding the nation of Ukraine that Russia is concerned about presents an upsetting image. In Ukraine, approximately two-thirds of people who are of working age and experience of form of disability are unemployed. Stigma and discrimination surrounding people who experience disabilities is a legacy of the former Soviet system and People with Disabilities as a population are segregated from society. Often times, they have limited access to both social services and employment.

Not much can be done with the architectural wonders that are 200 years old in a number of cities in Ukraine to make them accessible. Yet more than one activist has asked why new buildings cannot be built, or why entrances remain disability-unfriendly. People wonder why doors have not been made 20 centimeters wider to allow wheelchair access, or why there are so few restrooms that are accessible.

While people who experience forms of disabilities face numerous challenges not only in Ukraine, but in Russia, America, and other nations - the leaders of these same nations eye each other with suspicion and move heavy-duty military hardware and soldiers around at enormous costs. Instead of spending incredible amounts of money on soldiers and military hardware, why don't they spend this money on something constructive such as employing People with Disabilities, or making societies more accessible

One person, Parubiy, stated that the world may see a large attack on Ukraine by the Russian military any day now. For some reason it would not be all that surprising. Governments nowadays seem to enjoy flexing their military muscle, especially the United States of America. As a civilian and a person with disabilities, it is nearly impossible for me to watch this military muscle flexing without wondering just how government leaders can look at themselves in the mirror and face their own lack of moral and ethical standing in the world.

Government leaders who are unable to ensure the safety and well-being of the seniors, children, people with disabilities and veterans with disabilities within their own nations before spending vast sums of money on military efforts are government leaders unworthy of their positions in this writer's opinion. It is stunning that such leaders dare to call their soldiers, 'peacekeeping forces,' at any point in time. Governments around the world today appear to have plenty of money to spend on military hardware and actions, yet cannot find the money to ensure the well-being of the citizens within their own borders; quite a statement.

Insights, Analysis, and Developments

Editorial Note: In times of political upheaval, the marginalized often bear the heaviest burdens. This editorial serves as a poignant reminder that the well-being of individuals with disabilities should not be overshadowed by geopolitical conflicts. It calls for a reevaluation of priorities, advocating for investments in accessibility and inclusion over military expenditures. Looking back at the Ukraine crisis a decade later, it's striking how little the headlines captured the quiet toll on those with disabilities - folks already wrestling with a system that sidelined them. The tanks and sanctions grabbed the spotlight, but the real story was in the shadows: people stuck in aging, inaccessible cities, their voices drowned out by the clamor of war. Putin's spending spree on military muscle didn't just strain Russia's wallet - it left a legacy of neglect for the vulnerable on both sides of the border. History shows us time and again that when power plays out, it's the least visible who pay the steepest price, a lesson we'd do well to remember as new conflicts brew - Disabled World (DW).

Author Credentials: Thomas C. Weiss is a researcher and editor for Disabled World. Thomas attended college and university courses earning a Masters, Bachelors and two Associate degrees, as well as pursing Disability Studies. As a CNA Thomas has providing care for people with all forms of disabilities. Explore for comprehensive insights into his background, expertise, and accomplishments.

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Cite This Page: Thomas C. Weiss. (2014, March 31 - Last revised: 2025, March 3). The Crisis in Ukraine and People with Disabilities. Disabled World (DW). Retrieved October 31, 2025 from www.disabled-world.com/editorials/political/ukraine.php

Permalink: <a href="https://www.disabled-world.com/editorials/political/ukraine.php">The Crisis in Ukraine and People with Disabilities</a>: Analysis of the Ukraine conflict, its historical context, and global implications, offering insights for diverse audiences, including those with disabilities.

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