Ukrainian children who fled can't play with teddy bears because they remind them of their fathers

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Experts have told the Mirror that children facing war in Ukraine are dealing with trauma and the loss of their pre-war childhood, which means they can't even play with their teddy bears

Refugees from Ukraine after crossing the border from Ukraine into Poland, at Medyka (

Image: Steve Reigate)

Traumatized Ukrainian children won't play with teddy bears as it reminds them of the homes they lost, experts tell the Mirror.

Millions of Ukrainian families fled their home country after Russia's illegal invasion a year ago and the ensuing war that killed tens of thousands of soldiers and civilians.

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Olena Horoberts, a psychologist, said: "Some children scratch themselves to bleed, some are overly aggressive while others don't say a word.

"Every child is different. A child only talked about her life before the start of the war. This child remains in my heart.

"I find that they don't like to play with teddy bears because it reminds them of what they left behind in Ukraine.

She explained, "When I asked them why (they don't want to play with stuffed animals), they said 'because I miss my dad or my grandpa.'