218 children heavily wounded by Russian military currently in hospitals

"To date, 226 Ukrainian children have been killed, I emphasize, killed by the Russian occupiers. More than 420 children have been affected, these are the children who were injured and wounded," Darya Herasymchuk, Advisor – Commissioner of the President of Ukraine for Children’s Rights and Rehabilitation, said during a briefing at Ukraine Media Center – Ukrinform.

According to the Commissioner, these data are tentative as it is impossible to obtain complete information from the occupied territories.

"As of May 11, 218 children are being treated in health care facilities. Among those children who have been injured or wounded and treated in general, most children – 51% – are aged 7 to 14 years. 93% of all children who have sought medical help are children who received mine blast injuries or gunshot wounds. Fourteen children underwent amputations of upper or lower extremities. In other words, we can say that the Russian Federation is fighting against our children,” Herasymchuk said.

She noted that the initiative group for the protection of children's rights in wartime had been working in Ukraine since the beginning of the escalation of hostilities. On March 17, it became the coordination headquarters for the protection of children's rights under the Cabinet of Ministers.

"We receive and summarize data from various ministries involved in this coordination headquarters," Herasymchuk said.

On February 24, Russia launched a new phase of the eight-year war against Ukraine – a full-scale offensive. The enemy massive shells and bombs peaceful Ukrainian cities, towns, and villages.

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