The verified number of children killed in Russian attacks across Ukraine has increased dramatically this year than last year.
The youngest child to die in the war in Ukraine this year so far was just two months old. He was the tiniest of the 25 young victims of Russian attacks between January and March 2024.
According to a just-released report by UNICEF – the UN’s Children’s Fund – those tragic numbers point to an increase of nearly 40 per cent in child deaths compared to last year.
Nine more children were reportedly killed in attacks during the first three weeks of April.
UNICEF’s regional director for Europe and Central Asia also denounced the deterioration in the quality of life of Ukrainian children and said “Nowhere is safe for them.”
Regina De Dominicis’ words of warning came after a visit to Ukraine this week. “As deadly attacks continue, children and their families are forced to endure yet more loss and destruction,” she said, noting that every attack sets back recovery and rebuilding efforts.
“I am troubled to see that attacks across the country continue, destroying schools, health facilities and residential buildings,” she added.
Pope Francis has repeatedly appealed and expressed closeness to children suffering in war-struck Ukraine, noting they have lost their capacity to smile, and this – he says – is very serious.