In the last three months, the number of children killed or injured as a result of Russian aggression in Ukraine has tripled.
This was reported by UNICEF, citing UN data.
According to the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, the verified number of children killed or injured in Ukraine from March 1 to May 31, 2025, increased by more than 200% compared to the previous quarter.
From March 1 to May 31, 2025, 222 children were killed or injured, compared to 73 children from December 1, 2024, to February 28, 2025. UNICEF noted that in April alone, 97 children were killed or injured — the highest monthly figure confirmed by the UN since June 2022.
“For children across Ukraine, there is no respite from the war. The situation for children is at a critical stage; intense attacks continue to destroy lives and disrupt all aspects of childhood,” said Regina De Dominicis, UNICEF Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia.
UNICEF is also concerned about cases of children and teenagers being recruited online to carry out military tasks, such as organizing attacks on military targets, sabotage, or gathering intelligence in Ukrainian-controlled territory. According to the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission, at least two boys have died and one was injured as a result of such actions.
“UNICEF continues to call for immediate respect for international humanitarian law and human rights, as well as the cessation and prevention of serious violations of children’s rights,” the organization emphasized.
