Ukraine War: At Least 16 Children Killed or Injured Every Week as Conflict Nears 1,000 Days

 Since the escalation of the conflict, 2,406 children have been affected, including 659 killed and 1,747 injured.

As the war in Ukraine nears its 1,000th day, the toll on children continues to rise, with an average of at least 16 children killed or injured every week, according to the latest reports. Since the escalation of the conflict, 2,406 children have been affected, including 659 killed and 1,747 injured. The ongoing violence has upended the lives of millions, particularly in the war-torn regions of the Donbas, where children have endured more than a decade of conflict. The recent escalation of attacks has intensified the already dire conditions. Last week, a tragic strike in the central Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih killed a mother and her three children, including a two-month-old infant. The attack on residential buildings is a stark reminder of the growing risks to civilians, particularly children, who face violence in their homes, schools, and playgrounds.

                                      

In addition to casualties, children in Ukraine are grappling with severe shortages of basic resources such as safe water, electricity, and heating. Between March and August 2024, attacks on energy infrastructure destroyed half of Ukraine’s winter electricity needs, affecting millions of people, including vulnerable children.

“Millions of children are enduring ongoing fear, with many forced to spend hours each day taking refuge in basements as air raid sirens wail,” said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell. “If international support is not sustained, the emotional scars left by this war will affect children for generations to come.”

The humanitarian crisis is compounded by widespread displacement. Since August 2024, 170,000 people have been forced to flee the eastern regions of Ukraine due to intense fighting, joining 3.6 million internally displaced and more than 6.75 million refugees who have sought refuge outside the country. With winter approaching, the situation remains critical. Nearly 3 million people in frontline regions are in urgent need of warmth, safe water, and healthcare. Schools and hospitals have been particularly targeted, with at least 1,496 schools and 662 health facilities damaged or destroyed over the past 1,000 days.

Despite these overwhelming challenges, UNICEF and its partners are providing essential services, including emergency healthcare, education, and psychosocial support. However, UNICEF's 3.6 million humanitarian appeal for 2024 remains 30% underfunded. UNICEF continues to call for adherence to international humanitarian law and urges an immediate end to attacks on civilian infrastructure and the use of explosive weapons in populated areas. The protection of children and their critical infrastructure must remain a global priority. Source: @UNICEF