Voice of Ukraine

From Jamie Peipon: Today is the UN’s World Children’s Day. No matter where a Ukrainian child might find themselves, life is not easy. At least 437 children have been killed by russians right on their own soil. Over 800 more have been injured. Many more have been kidnapped, deported into russia, and forced into new families. The best case scenario for a Ukrainian child is simply to be “displaced.” There are currently more Ukrainian children outside of Ukraine than are inside the country. Many of those that are still in the country are internally displaced.

The girl on the cot is in the city of Bakhmut. It is shocking to imagine that she is still there. Ukraine has protected it from russian occupation, but it has been a major hotspot for artillery duels and other constant fighting. With all the constant fighting, she is probably spending most of her time in this bomb shelter.

The three scruffy boys in the other picture are hauling off as many treats at they can carry. A young woman from Ukraine’s armed forces had just listened to their tall tales about how each one of them had personally kicked some russian soldiers out of their home town. She then asked them, “Where are your parents?” Their response? “Oh, mom and dad are now both dead.” An adult off camera says that they are currently living with their grandparents.

With an approximate pre-war child population of 7.5 million in Ukraine, there are a mind-boggling 7,499,996 more stories like these to be told.

“May he defend the cause of the poor of the people, give deliverance to the children of the needy, and crush the oppressor!”