KHARKIV, Ukraine

A Ukrainian mother in the country's eastern Kharkiv region fosters sick and disabled children orphaned due to Moscow's war with Ukraine.

"At the beginning of the war, there were children left in hospitals whose families could not take them in or did not care for them. Since many hospital employees were evacuated, there were not enough personnel to take care of these children. That's why I decided to take care of them," Maria Chupinina told Anadolu in an interview.

Chupinina, who lives with her son, also affected by long-term health problems, said that the aid organization she founded, which supported children with health problems in various regions of Ukraine, became inactive after the start of the Russia-Ukraine war.

She further said she was responsible for the care of 10 children, including her own son and two adopted children, expressing that the state currently provides social assistance to them children.

Chupinina also said that some volunteers come to the house and help her with tasks such as cooking meals and bathing the children.

"It was not possible for me to take care of these children in my own home because it was only 36 square meters. There was not even enough room for baby strollers. That's why we rented a larger house and we have six strollers," she said.

"Only two out of nine children do not have a serious health problem. The youngest child is 15 months old and the oldest is 23 years old." Chupinina said, adding that she is ready to act as a foster mother to more children in need in the future, within her means.

*Writing by Burc Eruygur in Istanbul