The World Health Organization (WHO) has counted 703 attacks on the health system in Ukraine since the beginning of the Russian invasion in February, warning on Monday of the risks of winter for the survival of millions of people.

"The continued attacks on health and energy infrastructure mean that hundreds of hospitals and health facilities are no longer operational, without fuel, water and electricity to meet basic needs," said Hans Kluge, WHO regional director for Europe, in a statement issued in Kiev and quoted by Lusa.

The WHO notes that in Ukraine, maternity wards need incubators, blood banks need refrigerators and intensive care beds need ventilators, pointing out that all this equipment requires energy - a commodity that is becoming increasingly scarce because of the recent Russian attacks on the country's energy infrastructure.

"Today, 10 million people - a quarter of the population - are without power. The cold can kill. Temperatures are expected to drop to minus 20 degrees Celsius in some parts of the country," warned Kluge, who is making his fourth visit to Ukraine since the Russian invasion began at the end of February.

The WHO regional director for Europe explained that there are hundreds of thousands of families who "are desperate to keep warm", resorting to alternative heating methods, such as burning coal or wood or using diesel generators, which "brings health risks, including exposure to toxic substances that are harmful to children, the elderly and people with respiratory or cardiovascular problems".

Hans Kluge also took the opportunity to draw attention to the consequences of worsening physical conditions on Ukrainians' mental health, saying that "around 10 million people are at risk of mental disorders, such as severe stress, anxiety or depression".

"By training health professionals on how to provide mental health services, WHO has so far reached 1,400 people with serious mental health conditions across Ukraine," said the WHO regional director, referring to the tens of thousands of consultations that those specialists have carried out, via mobile teams.

Hanks Kluge argued that Ukraine needs "sustained resources" for the health system during the winter, expressing concern for certain sectors of the population that are most vulnerable.

"I am very concerned about the 17,000 HIV patients in Donetsk, who could soon run out of essential antiretroviral drugs that help keep them alive," warned the WHO leader, showing his willingness to help mobilize partner actors to alleviate this problem.

"Add to this an expected increase in seasonal flu and difficulties in accessing health services, and we could be looking at a disaster scenario for the most vulnerable people," warned Kluge, concluding that "Ukraine's health system is facing its darkest days of the war so far."