The Ukrainian Prosecutor General’s office revealed on Wednesday that 1183 children have gone missing since the onset of the Russian military operation in Ukraine on February 24, 2022.
As the conflict in Ukraine continues, the Ukrainian authorities have expressed deep concern about the well-being and safety of children caught in the crossfire. According to Ukraine’s Prosecutor General, these children have been reported missing since the Russian military operation began earlier this year.
Ukraine’s news agency, Ukrinform, quoted the Prosecutor General’s office as stating, “As of today, October 11th, over 1183 children have gone missing in Ukraine due to the Russian military operation.” The statement further elaborated that authorities have been able to determine the whereabouts of 18,812 children during this period.
The Russian military operation in Ukraine, initiated on February 24, 2022, has been a source of international concern. Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Moscow’s intentions were not to occupy Ukrainian territory but rather to disarm the region. In response, the United States and its allies imposed strict sanctions on Russia and increased the supply of weapons to Ukraine.
The alarming number of missing children underscores the humanitarian impact of the conflict in Ukraine. It has prompted international organizations and governments to intensify efforts to address the crisis and provide support to affected children and their families.
The situation remains fluid, with ongoing diplomatic efforts to seek a peaceful resolution to the conflict and ensure the safety and well-being of all civilians, particularly children, in the region. The international community continues to closely monitor developments in Ukraine, with a focus on finding solutions to mitigate the human toll of the conflict.