War in Ukraine worsens antibiotic resistance crisis – health ministry
Source: Interfax-Ukraine
The ongoing war in Ukraine has exacerbated the issue of antibiotic resistance, said Ukraine’s Minister of Health, Viktor Liashko, arguing microorganisms become ‘immune’ to antibiotics that are intended to eliminate them.
“Antibiotic resistance is a serious problem for Ukraine, and the war has made it even more severe,” said the minister.
He said the issue is particularly acute in frontline areas and during medical evacuations, where maintaining infection control measures is extremely difficult.
“Oftentimes, patients deal with multiple healthcare facilities before fully recovering. This increases the risk of cross-infection with hospital strains, which are even harder to treat than ordinary resistant strains,” he said.
Currently, Ukraine has 78 laboratories capable of conducting research into antibiotic resistance. However, the health system faces immense pressure due to the war, making effective management of this issue a significant challenge.
Earlier this month, Liashko warned that misuse and overuse of antibiotics could lead to dire consequences, with organ transplants in Ukraine becoming impossible in 10 years time.
On October 6, the Administrative Cassation Court within the Supreme Court of Ukraine continued hearing case No. 990/80/25, in which the fifth President and leader of the party “European Solidarity”, Petro Poroshenko, seeks to have Presidential Decree No. 81/2025 from February 12, 2025 — enacting sanctions by the decision of the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) — declared illegal and annulled. The plaintiff claims the document was falsified and that the sanctions are a tool of political persecution of the opposition, contrary to international norms. Government representatives deny the allegations and insist their actions were lawful. Journalists of Bukvy were present at the hearing.
Rinat Akhmetov’s Metinvest Group has completed the construction of an upgraded underground NATO Role 2 hospital in one of the hottest sectors of the frontline. This is the second stabilization point established under the Steel Front initiative in cooperation with the Medical Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The new facility, funded by Metinvest with an investment of UAH 21 million, is more secure than the first one thanks to its deeper location underground (over 6 meters) and additional fortifications.
Five armored vehicles “Kozak” have received a new mission – thanks to the support of Metinvest, they have been upgraded to full-fledged command and staff vehicles. These upgraded vehicles are now operating on the front line.
A kamikaze drone flies directly toward an armored personnel carrier. But instead of penetrating the hull, it explodes on a steel screen. The crew survives. This is the new reality for Ukrainian forces, who have received enhanced protection thanks to the Metinvest project within “Steel Front of Rinat Akhmetov”.
To commemorate the third anniversary of the full-scale invasion, “Bukvy” has compiled data on the largest donors supporting the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Among them there are charitable foundations and businesses. The list includes, in particular, foundations that provide assistance exclusively from their own resources, without fundraising (such as SCM by Rinat Akhmetov, Epicenter, etc.).