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Purpose

This study is a scoping literature review of research into post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and moral injury (MI) in active-duty military personnel and veterans in Ukraine. This study aims to explore the existing research regarding the relationship between PTSD and MI in Ukrainian military personnel to identify the need for future research in a vulnerable social group that is exposed to a high level of conflict.

Design/methodology/approach

This scoping review includes the results of peer-reviewed articles from online databases (PubMed, Science Direct, PsycArticles, Military Database, Sociological Abstract, Psychology Database, PTSD Pubs, Web of Science), which were searched for publications in English, Ukrainian and Russian. The data obtained was organized using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews extension for scoping reviews and Meta-Analyses, the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme Qualitative Studies Checklist and Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist. Data was analyzed and categorized using an inductive thematic analysis.

Findings

According to the thematic analysis, the following themes were identified in a Ukrainian military context: sources of PTSD, sources of moral injury, symptoms of PTSD, symptoms of moral injury and treating and prevention mechanisms. All studies included in the scoping review (32) report on PTSD and/or MI in military groups in Ukraine. They find the gap in research and in numerous comprehensive studies problematic and underline the need for more effective rehabilitation programs.

Practical implications

A scoping review was conducted to thematically map the research in the area, identify any knowledge gaps deficit about PTSD and MI in Military personnel in Ukraine and contribute to further development of effective rehabilitation programs.

Originality/value

The sparsity of the existing literature highlights the need for further research into enhancing the mental health services provided to military personnel. In addition, there is a growing need to further explore trauma exposure and potentially morally injurious events related to PTSD and MI, in particular. Such a review has not yet been carried out, which adds value to the current paper.

The Russo-Ukrainian war has caused significant psychological distress among both civilians and military personnel, with long-lasting mental health consequences that span generations. This scoping review consolidates the existing evidence on the mental health impacts of the war, focusing on conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), complex PTSD (CPTSD), depression, anxiety, and moral injury. By synthesising data from multiple studies – including peer-reviewed journals, reports from international organisations, and national surveys – the review highlights the elevated prevalence of mental health disorders among affected populations, including refugees, displaced persons, children, and other groups. It also identifies systemic barriers to mental health care, including the fragmentation of mental health services, limited access to care, and the lack of culturally-adapted interventions. Additionally, the review emphasises the critical role of family support and community resilience in mitigating psychological distress and fostering recovery. The findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive, evidence-based interventions tailored to the unique needs of different populations as well as systemic reforms to improve mental health infrastructure in conflict zones. Finally, the review provides actionable insights for policymakers, mental health professionals, and humanitarian organisations so that they can develop effective strategies for addressing the immediate and long-term psychological needs of those affected by the Russo-Ukrainian war.