On June 4, the International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression, First Lady Olena Zelenska visited Kharkiv to commemorate Ukrainian children killed in the Russian war.
"This pain cannot be comprehended. In the 21st century, in Europe, we must discuss protecting our children from physical destruction", the First Lady wrote in a statement adding: "A threat to our children is a threat to all children. Childhood has no borders".
In Kharkiv, Zelenska delivered a speech during the opening of the monument commemorating the killed children, the Kyiv Independent reported.
Meanwhile, a commemorative ceremony was also held in Kyiv. During the event, authorities and citizens hung ornamental bells on trees, "symbolizing the voices of the killed children", according to the Kyiv City Military Administration.
"Ukraine's government and non-governmental institutions are working hard to ensure their safe return", the Kyiv Independent noted. According to the "Children of War" database, only 371 of them have been safely returned to their families.
(aj)
SOURCE: Kyiv Independent, IAR