On the International Day of Children - Innocent Victims of Aggression in Kyiv, on the territory of the National Reserve "Sophia of Kyiv", on the initiative of First Lady Olena Zelenska, an action was held in memory of young Ukrainians whose lives were taken by war.
This year, 261 children have died in Russia due to Russian aggression. Relatives of the victims were invited to the event. In particular, the aunt of 13-year-old Yelisei Ryabokon, who was shot in a car while trying to evacuate from the village of Peremoha in Kyiv region. Among those present was Oleg Fedko, a policeman from the Kherson region. His two children, six-year-old Sofia and one-and-a-half-year-old Ivan, and his wife and parents, died at the hands of the occupiers while trying to leave Nova Kakhovka.
Representatives of the diplomatic corps of different countries also took part in the action.
Those present hung bells on the trees, symbolizing the voices of killed children.
Olena Zelenska declared a minute of silence for the victims and addressed her parents and relatives.
"Today we have people who have lost the most. Parents. I lack the words to say how I sympathize. All words can now be banal and superfluous. Let me just be with you, share this pain. The whole country knows your stories, and you are not alone. You need to know that you are important. You were the most important people to your children. So take care of yourself for them. They would like that," said the President's wife.
She also addressed foreign diplomats: “I ask you and your countries to do everything possible to ensure that children do not die in Ukraine. I am convinced that the world can do it."
