New York
UNICEF confirmed on Monday that at least 2,406 children have been killed or injured in Ukraine since the war’s escalation nearly 1,000 days ago. The verified reports show that 659 children have died, and 1,747 have been injured, averaging at least 16 child casualties per week.
The ongoing conflict has displaced millions of children, leaving them without access to basic necessities like safe water, electricity, and adequate healthcare. Escalating attacks on Ukrainian territory have led to increased civilian casualties and severe damage to infrastructure, particularly since July.
UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell called the situation “staggering and unacceptable,” highlighting that children have been killed in schools, hospitals, and even in their own homes. The war has also severely disrupted essential services like water, heating, and electricity. Attacks on energy infrastructure between March and August destroyed significant power capacity, leaving Ukraine unable to meet winter demands.
Russell emphasized the need for continued international support, warning that the psychological toll of the war could last for generations. Nearly 1.7 million children are without access to safe water, and 3.4 million lack sanitation services, heightening the risk of disease.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned Russia’s latest attack, which targeted civilian infrastructure, including power plants. He also called for the G20 to act decisively against Russia’s aggression, urging the international community to take stronger action to end the war.
