'Cigarettes during wars were more important than food.' Interview with professor about real harm of tobacco
July 10, 2026 by rbc.ua
'Cigarettes during wars were more important than food.' Interview with professor about real harm of tobacco
War changes the meaning of cigarettes. What may look like a simple consumer product can become a coping mechanism, a source of routine and even a form of social currency under extreme stress. That reality does not make smoking safe, but it does show why public health must understand behaviour before trying to control it. Harm reduction starts by recognising why people use nicotine — especially when life is shaped by trauma, pressure and uncertainty.
20.40% of the adult population are current smokers. There are approximately 6.6 million current smokers in Ukraine 35.70% of men are current smokers but only 7.60% of women.
SOURCE: GSTHR
