Two-month-old baby
the ninth child reportedly killed in Ukraine this year

Statement by Regina De Dominicis, Regional Director for UNICEF Europe and Central Asia.

GENEVA/KYIV, 7 February 2024 – “At least nine children have reportedly been killed and 37 injured in Ukraine since the beginning of the year, as waves of deadly attacks intensify across the country.

“Over the past 48 hours, two children have reportedly been killed, including one child in Lysychansk, Luhansk oblast, and a two-month-old baby in Zolochiv, Kharkiv oblast.

“The wave of attacks since the start of the year have damaged and destroyed homes, energy sources, schools, kindergartens and other civilian infrastructure across Ukraine.

“In an effort to survive, children are forced to take shelter in freezing, damp basements and underground stations across the country, often for hours at a time. 

“The attacks have damaged and destroyed hospitals and other health care facilities, putting more lives at risk as illness and disease such as pneumonia take hold.

“For children living in frontline areas, the situation is particularly horrific, as attacks have left families without heating and water in temperatures that rarely reach above freezing.

“Across the country, more than 1,820 children have been killed or injured since the escalation of war nearly two years ago. As this number only includes the UN-verified reports, the actual number is likely higher. And in the Russian Federation, just over a month ago, three children were reportedly killed in attacks in Belgorod.

“UNICEF is working on the ground across Ukraine to respond to the immediate humanitarian needs of children and families, providing lifesaving services and supplies.

“We call on all parties to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure and abide by legal and moral obligations to protect children and the infrastructure they rely on irrespective of their location. Children and their families need peace.”