The article recounts the experience of a woman in Ukraine who recently gave birth, noting the hardships of everyday life amidst war. Despite the challenges such as power outages and the risk of having to feed her newborn in a bomb shelter, she remains focused on the normalcy of parenting, such as concerns about screen time. This personal story illustrates the resilience of individuals trying to maintain a sense of normal life in the midst of chaos.

The piece also provides context on the worsening conditions in Ukraine as the fifth year of the war approaches, with Russia failing to achieve a swift victory. The current strategy involves enduring warfare that targets civilian infrastructure, causing widespread suffering and exhaustion within the population. This harsh winter has been particularly devastating, as people struggle with extreme cold while lacking basic utilities like heating, electricity, and water supply.

The article reveals that the war is having a significant impact on birth rates in Ukraine, with many people being forced to leave the country, resulting in demographic changes. With around six million Ukrainians having fled, the population has significantly decreased, contributing to a decline in the number of births. This situation reflects not only the immediate consequences of the war but also raises concerns about the long-term future of Ukraine and its society.