Hundreds of teddy bears collected in Washington in memory of Ukrainian children killed by Russia
Pravda Ukraine
Oksana Markarova, Ukraine’s Ambassador to the US, has reported that the US capital, Washington, DC, has held a commemoration of Ukrainian children killed in the Russo-Ukrainian war. Six hundred teddy bears with the names of children whose lives were taken by Russia were placed near the Washington Monument on 29 November.
Source: Markarova on Facebook; Embassy of Ukraine in the USA
Details: The toys were purchased through donations, including from American children.
The event also included a prayer for the young Ukrainians who were injured or illegally deported as a result of Russia’s actions.
Quote from the Embassy: “Together, we send a powerful message: the lives and futures of our children are worth every effort to protect.”
More details: Oksana Markarova believes that in order to do this, the world should continue to make efforts to end the war as soon as possible. In her opinion, this will be facilitated by Ukraine receiving more weapons, strengthening sanctions against Russia and bringing those responsible for crimes against humanity to justice.
Upon the commemoration’s completion, the plushies will be given to children in Ukrainian orphanages and hospitals, and to charitable organisations.
“While we are fighting for freedom and peace for Ukrainian children, we must continue to give them joy, give them gifts, see their eyes shine and see how glad and happy they are,” Markarova added.
Background:
- Dmytro Lubinets, Ukrainian Parliamentary Human Rights Commissioner, said that as of September 2024, 575 Ukrainian children had been killed by Russian troops since the start of the full-scale invasion, and another 1,609 had sustained injuries.
- The results of a sociological survey conducted in August 2024 showed that 99% of children in Ukraine were directly affected by combat actions.
- The study showed that this experience makes children around the world feel more anxious about many aspects of life than their peers who have not been exposed to it.
- This is particularly true for feelings of danger at home (78%), concerns about body image (42%), the number of friends (39%), and feelings of danger outside the home (35%).
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