At least 972 children in Ukraine have been killed or injured since Russia’s offensive began, according to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
“The use of explosive weapons has caused most of the victims of children. These weapons do not distinguish between civilians and combatants, especially when used in populated areas as has happened in Ukraine,” said Catherine Russell, UNICEF’s executive director, in a statement.
She added that the figure was only calculated for cases that the UN had been able to verify, and warned that the true number of victims was expected to be much higher.
“Once again, as in all wars, reckless decisions by adults are putting children in extreme danger. There are no armed operations of this type that do not result in harm to children,” said Russell.
“Meanwhile, beyond the horror of children being killed or physically injured in attacks, almost every child in Ukraine has been exposed to deeply disturbing events, and those fleeing violence are at significant risk of family separation, violence, abuse, sexual exploitation and trafficking.” .