The war unleashed by russia violates the rights of millions of Ukrainian children. The right to privacy. The right to protection from all forms of violence. The right to rest, leisure, education and family. The right to be protected from torture. Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal emphasized during a Government meeting dedicated to Children's Day.

“Children all over the world know that this is their holiday - they are waiting for balloons, treats and festivities. But not Ukrainian children - our children consider a holiday to be a quiet night when they can sleep in their beds... when both they and their parents are safe...,” accentuated Denys Shmyhal.

According to the Head of Government, more than 4,200 criminal offences have been committed by russia against children since the start of the full-scale war in Ukraine. Almost every week, children are either injured or killed as a result of russia's shelling. To date, there are nearly 500 children killed, about a thousand wounded, nearly 400 missing, and thousands deported to russia or the temporarily occupied territories. The exact number of victims is currently unknown.

“russians abduct, maim and kill Ukrainian children. Children who are the most precious for every family, for every people, for every nation. They are its pride, its future. The future of which we are being deprived. This is a genocide for which everyone involved - from the military to the political leadership of the russian federation - will be held accountable before a tribunal. Punishment for the criminals is inevitable,” urged the Prime Minister.

Moreover, Denys Shmyhal called on the international community and international organisations to condemn the crime of deporting children, to take all possible measures to establish their whereabouts and facilitate their return home to their families and friends.

“Our children are the future of the nation, which begins today. Talented, proactive, open-minded and hardworking, they will develop a new post-war Ukraine. A free, strong and European State. We are proud of our children who have gone through the trials of this terrible war and retained the ability to dream, enjoy life and believe in victory,” noted the Head of Government.

The members of the Government honoured the memory of the children who died at the hands of the killer country with a minute of silence.