The Ukrainian Prosecutor General’s Office announced today, Wednesday, that 538 children have been killed and 1,280 others injured since the beginning of the Russian military operation in Ukraine.
According to a statement relayed by the Ukrainian news agency Ukrinform, the Prosecutor General’s Office stated, “As of today, April 3, more than 1,818 children in Ukraine have been affected by the Russian military operation,” clarifying that 538 children were killed and more than 1,280 others sustained injuries of varying severity.
The statement added that “the majority of the cases of dead and injured children were in the Donetsk region with 524 cases, followed by Kharkiv with 344 cases, Kiev with 130 cases, and Kherson with 149 cases.”
The Prosecutor General’s Office also noted that “these numbers are not final, as work is ongoing to verify data from conflict areas and territories controlled by Russia.”
The war in Ukraine, now extending beyond two years, continues to see significant developments and impacts on both military and civilian fronts. Recently, Russia achieved a notable military success by capturing the eastern city of Avdiivka, marking its first major territorial gain in over nine months. This victory is significant against the backdrop of the upcoming elections in Russia, providing President Vladimir Putin with strategic leverage. The battle for Avdiivka, which involved intense fighting and substantial casualties on both sides, underscores the ongoing severity of the conflict. Ukrainian forces, facing a well-coordinated Russian offensive that achieved temporary local air superiority, have been compelled to make strategic withdrawals to prevent encirclement.
Additionally, a massive wave of Russian air attacks has led to significant casualties and widespread power outages, with at least three people reported killed and 14 wounded. These strikes, described as the largest on energy infrastructure since the start of the war, saw the Ukrainian Air Force downing a considerable number of the missiles and drones fired by Russia.
These developments reflect the escalating tensions and the complex dynamics of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, with implications for regional stability and international relations. The war’s progression underscores the urgent need for diplomatic efforts and support for civilians caught in the crossfire. For ongoing updates and detailed coverage, following sources like Al Jazeera provides comprehensive insights into the evolving situation.
