Source: United Nations (Video News)
Briefing by Tom Fletcher, Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, on Ukraine.
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Following “a massive strike” in the Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih last Friday which resulted in multiple civilian casualties, and a series of attacks against civilian infrastructure United Nations Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher told the Security Council that “this brutal pattern of civilian death and destruction in populated areas must stop.”
Fletcher told the Council that according to authorities, “18 civilians were killed, including nine children, and 75 others injured when a children’s playground and nearby residential area were hit,” and noted that in recent weeks “civilian infrastructure – including healthcare facilities, apartment blocks, schools and children’s playgrounds – have suffered extensive damage.”
The humanitarian Chief said, “civilians are paying a devastating price for this horrendous war,” with at least 12,910 civilians killed, including 682 children, and almost 30,700 injured across Ukraine from 24 February 2022 to 31 March 2025.”
The true toll, he said, “is likely far greater.”
Fletcher welcomed the recent announcement of a ceasefire focused on energy infrastructure, as well as negotiations to ensure safe navigation in the Black Sea and said, “ultimately the best protection of civilians is that this war ends. Until it does, the negotiating priority – whether as part of a temporary pause or lasting agreement – must start from the protection and needs of civilians.”