Since the beginning of the full-scale war, about 50,000 Ukrainians have lost one or more limbs

This was reported by The Wall Street Journal, citing data from prosthetics companies, doctors and charitable organisations.

The quoted figures are based on information from the government and medical institutions, although the number of traumatised people may be higher, as prosthetics take a long time. For example, 40-80 per cent of patients who end up in hospitals in the Zaporizhzhya region need amputations.

At the beginning of the war, the leading causes of amputations were injuries sustained during artillery and rocket attacks. Now many are injured by landmines planted along the front line.

The Houp Foundation, a charity organisation, cites data that 200,000 people were seriously wounded during the war, with about 10% needing amputations. Some people do not have their limbs amputated for weeks or even months after being wounded. At the same time, to avoid atrophy and other problems, patients need to receive new limbs no later than 90 days after amputation.

The Wall Street Journal also points out that prosthetic limbs are not cheap, with some reaching 50,000 euros. At the same time, Ukrainian authorities are paying up to 20,000 euros to the wounded. The journalists note that it is difficult for civilians who have been wounded to afford treatment.

According to First Deputy Health Minister Serhiy Dubrov, more than 30 children in Ukraine have suffered amputations because of the war.

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