UNICEF: Nearly 1,000 children killed or injured in Ukraine
The Russian invasion of Ukraine began nearly six months ago, and UNICEF has verified that at least 972 children have been killed or injured by the violence, UN informs.
This represents an average of more than five a day, but Ms. Russell added that “we believe the true number to be much higher.”
Most child casualties resulted from the use of explosive weapons.
Meanwhile, almost every child in Ukraine has been exposed to deeply distressing events. Those fleeing violence are at significant risk of family separation, abuse, sexual exploitation, further attacks, and trafficking, UNICEF says.
Moreover, the escalating hostilities have devastated the education system. UNICEF estimates that 1 in 10 schools have been damaged or destroyed.
“Ukraine’s children urgently need safety, stability, access to safe learning, child protection services, and psychosocial support. But more than anything, Ukraine’s children need peace,” said Ms. Russell.
As of the morning of August 22, 373 children were killed and 723 children were injured due to the Russian aggression in Ukraine, the Prosecutor General’s Office reported.
About 260,000 children were deported to Russia from Ukraine.
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