The humanitarian crisis is a growing concern in Ukraine, with reports stating that at least 117 children have been killed in the ongoing conflict as of Tuesday, March 22. The actual figure of the child death toll caused by the Russian invasion is likely higher, with aid organizations estimating that the areas that have witnessed some of the most intense fightings only have three to four days of essentials, such as food, left.
According to the most recent report published by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), at least 925 civilians had been killed, and 1,496 people had been injured in Ukraine since Russia started invading the war-torn country 27 days ago on February 24.
Fox News reported that Russian casualties had been growing as well, with some reports estimating deaths in Vladimir Putin's army to be in the low thousands. Those are conservative figures, though, so Russian deaths because of this war may even be higher.
Zelensky makes an emotional address to the Italian Parliament
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made an emotional address to the Italian Parliament on Tuesday, saying that at least 117 children have died so far in the first 27 days of the war in Ukraine.
Zelensky explained that figure would grow even further, saying, "And we know that every next day of war will take more lives of our children. 117 is not the final number. The Russian invasion will still destroy families and destinies."
The last time Zelensky spoke to European leaders more than a week ago, he announced that 79 children had been killed in the conflict. That means 38 more children had been killed in Ukraine since that speech, which Zelensky attributes to the price of procrastination.
According to a Daily Mail report, Zelensky urged the Italian parliament to put more pressure on Russia to stop this cruel war. The Ukrainian president listed numbers to drive home his point, saying, "117 children, thousands of adults. Thousands of people are injured. Tens of thousands of families devastated." Zelensky added that hundreds of thousands of destinations had been destroyed, and millions of homes were abandoned in Ukraine because of one man.
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Food supplies dwindling in some parts of Ukraine
According to Zelensky, more than 70,000 Ukrainian refugees are currently in Italy, including 25,000 children. He also highlighted the situation of pregnant refugees affected by the war, saying that the first Ukrainian baby was born in Italy.
Steve Gordon, Mercy Corps' Ukraine humanitarian response adviser, told CNN that one of the largest areas of concern in the country at the moment is the vulnerability of the supply chain. The Hill reported that according to Gordon, the humanitarian system in Ukraine is entirely broken down, with most municipalities that have witnessed some of the heaviest fightings only having between three and four days of food.
