At least three people, including a nine-year-old girl and her mother, lost their lives on Thursday in a new missile attack by Russia on Kiev, according to Ukrainian authorities. This was the deadliest attack in the capital in the past month. Although the air force intercepted the 10 ballistic and cruise missiles launched by Russian forces, the falling debris caused damage and resulted in 16 injuries.

 

Russia has continued its attacks on the capital and other areas of Ukraine in recent weeks, while Kiev prepares for a counteroffensive to expel Moscow's forces, 15 months after the full-scale invasion. Kiev experienced 17 drone and missile attacks last month.

 

Authorities reported that Thursday's attack involved short-range Iskander missiles launched from the ground, leading to the cancellation of events scheduled in Kiev to celebrate International Children's Day. Ukraine's First Lady, Olena Zelenska, expressed her dismay, mentioning that a child was hospitalized after the attack and lamented Russia's crimes against children.

 

 

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According to United Nations human rights observers, six children have died and 34 have been injured in just the past month. Since February 2022, at least 525 children have lost their lives, and over 1,047 have been injured in the ongoing conflict. Matilda Bogner, Head of the United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, lamented the situation, stating that civilians, including children, continue to pay a high price.

 

"Unfortunately, while the world celebrates Children's Day, there is little to celebrate in Ukraine, where civilians, including children, continue to pay a high price," said Bogner.

 

As attacks on the Ukrainian capital have significantly increased in the past month, with waves of drones and missiles, the population faces distress and exhaustion after weeks of sleepless nights under the constant sound of explosions. Although most attacks are intercepted, damages and concerns persist.

 

On Thursday, there were also damages to apartment buildings, a clinic, a water pipeline, and several vehicles. Authorities are investigating why a shelter in a medical center was locked, preventing some people from seeking refuge during the bombing. The mayor of the capital, Vitali Klitschko, ordered an immediate inspection of all shelters in Kiev to ensure their accessibility.

 

As the conflict continues in Ukraine, the tragedy of the nine-year-old girl and the other victims highlights the human cost and suffering in the region. The international community continues to pressure for a ceasefire and a peaceful solution to end this protracted crisis.