In New York, UNICEF has reported that at least 2,406 children have been killed or injured since the war in Ukraine escalated nearly 1,000 days ago. This includes 659 children killed and 1,747 injured, averaging at least 16 child casualties each week. The ongoing conflict has severely affected millions of children, disrupting their lives with relentless hostilities, displacement, and shortages of essential resources like water and electricity.
UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell highlighted the devastating impact on children, stating, "The toll on children is staggering and unacceptable." She emphasized that children have been killed in places where they should feel safe, such as their beds, hospitals, and playgrounds.
The conflict has also damaged critical infrastructure. Between March and August, attacks on energy infrastructure destroyed nine gigawatts of electricity generation capacity, half of what Ukraine needs for winter. Millions of children live in fear, often spending hours in shelters due to air raids.
In frontline areas, nearly three million people lack warmth, safe water, and healthcare, with schools and hospitals being targeted. Over 1,496 educational institutions and 662 health facilities have been damaged or destroyed. Approximately 1.7 million children are without safe water, and 3.4 million lack sanitation, increasing disease risk.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned Russia's recent large-scale attack involving 210 missiles and drones targeting civilian infrastructure. He urged global leaders, especially the G20, to take decisive action against Russia's continued aggression.
UNICEF stands for the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund. It is an organization that helps children around the world, especially in times of crisis like wars or natural disasters.
Ukrainian children are kids who live in Ukraine, a country in Eastern Europe. They are affected by the war happening in their country.
Child casualties refer to children who have been hurt or killed because of the war. In this context, it means 2,406 children have been affected, with some losing their lives and others getting injured.
Catherine Russell is a person who works for UNICEF. She is speaking out about how badly the war is affecting children in Ukraine.
President Zelenskyy is the leader of Ukraine. He is speaking against the attacks from Russia and asking other countries to help stop the war.
Russia's attacks refer to the military actions taken by Russia in Ukraine. These attacks are causing harm to people and places in Ukraine, including children and schools.
Infrastructure means the basic facilities and systems that help a country function, like roads, schools, and hospitals. In Ukraine, many of these have been damaged because of the war.
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