shortage

The pause comes as Ukraine, facing manpower and supply shortages, struggles to fight off grinding and relentless enemy attacks two years after Russia launched a full-scale invasion of the country.

There is no single reason for this shocking statistic - experts point to the abuse of drugs and alcohol, the shortage of jobs and the lack of mental health counselling.

Almost 70% of buildings are estimated to be damaged or destroyed; the healthcare, water, sanitation and hygiene systems have collapsed; and there are shortages of food, fuel, medicine and shelter.

Issa Meit, a resident of Gaza City, said there was a shortage of goods and very high consumption, and he was "very afraid that prices will increase again".

While Social Security checks consistently arrive on time, staffing shortages have extended wait times for people applying to receive those benefits in the first place.