Global Ukrainian community honors children killed by Russia

War forces children to grow up quickly and, unfortunately, prematurely robs them of their lives. 

Today, on June 4, Ukrainians in Ukraine and around the world bow their heads in mourning to mark the Day of Remembrance for Children whose lives Russia has cruelly taken through armed aggression against Ukraine.

The date is deeply symbolic. 

June 4 is observed globally as the International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression, established by the United Nations General Assembly on August 9, 1982.

The figure of child victims in Ukraine as of June 4 stands at 631 children killed and that figure has dramatically risen since Russia launched an all-out war against Ukraine February 2022. 

Additionally, 1,971 children have been injured; 2,244 are missing; and 19,546 have been deported or forcibly displaced, according to Ukraine’s official Children of War platform.

Each of these children signify a world forever changed. 

We urge the global community to remember their names, honor their suffering, and take meaningful steps to prevent this toll from growing further.

Ukrainians across the globe joined in commemorating the day over the weekend, communities held events as part of the Ukrainian World Congress (UWC)’s campaign #StandWithUkrainianChildren — protect the future of Ukrainian children.

In France, Ukrainians rallied on the streets of Paris. 

In Australia, the Ukrainian community led by Kateryna Argyrou, chair of the Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organizations and a UWC Board of Directors member, supported the campaign. The Malva branch of the Ukrainian Women’s Association in Australia marked Children’s Day by hosting workshops specifically designed for young children. 

In Budapest, the Ukrainian community hosted a memorial evening at St. Stephen’s Basilica. 

In Canada, members of the Ukrainian Youth Association held a joint prayer in memory of the children.

More details about the events are available at this link.