At least 37 children have been killed and 50 injured, in less than two weeks, as reported by UNICEF executive director Catherine Russell.
Additionally, more than one million children were forced to flee Ukraine following the invasion by Russian forces.
“This attack, if confirmed, underscores the horrific toll this war is exacting on Ukraine’s children and families. In less than two weeks, at least 37 children have been killed and 50 injured, while more than 1 million children have fled Ukraine to neighboring countries.”
In a statement Russell said, Attacks against civilians and their infrastructure including hospitals, water and sanitation systems as well as schools are uncivilized, and must stop immediately.
“Attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure – including hospitals, water and sanitation systems and schools – are unconscionable and must stop immediately. UNICEF renews its call for an immediate cease-fire and urges all parties to respect their obligations under international humanitarian law to protect children from harm, and to ensure that humanitarian actors can safely and quickly reach children in need.”
This comes in the midst of majority in the US House of Representatives, voting to approve a $1.5 trillion bill that would provide $13.6bn in aid for Ukraine and fund the federal government through September 30.
This follows a vote to impose a ban on imports of Russian oil and other energy products.
The vote is still under way and If approved by the House, the sweeping legislation would move on to the Senate.