A rally in memory of Ukrainian children who died as a result of the war with the Russian Federation took place in Washington
Ukraine continues to fight for its future in the conditions of a war that knows no regrets. The most terrible thing about this conflict is that more and more Ukrainian children are among its victims. Those who should be playing in safe yards, learning, laughing, waiting for presents for Christmas. They become targets of cruelty that does not distinguish between age or innocence.
To remind the world of these terrible losses, a moving memorial service was held in Washington. 600 teddy bears were laid out near the Washington Monument. Each of them bore the name of a child who died as a result of the full-scale Russian invasion. These bears, purchased thanks to the donations of American children, have become symbols of small lives that will never bloom again.
About the action reported Ambassador of Ukraine to the USA Oksana Markarova on her Facebook page:
“600 teddy bears with the names of children, each of which symbolizes the life stolen by Russia, near the Washington Monument, a symbol of freedom and hope, deeply moved everyone who, together with us, honored the memory of the fallen Ukrainian children today and prayed for the future of Ukraine. For those, whom the Russian Federation killed, injured, forcibly took from their homes.
Thank you Pastor Jeff Abrams and the Rescue Ukraine organization for this important reminder on the eve of the beloved Christmas holiday about the terrible crimes of the Russians against our families! And a special thanks to the American children who donated their savings to buy the bears.
As President Volodymyr Zelenskyy wrote today, “it is difficult to find two more polar, more opposite concepts than “war” and “children”. Therefore, together with our friends, we will continue to make every effort to end this war as soon as possible – more weapons for Ukraine and sanctions for the Russian Federation – and to bring to justice all those guilty of these crimes against humanity.”
She emphasized that the action is an important reminder on the eve of the Christmas holidays about the crimes committed by the Russians against Ukrainian families. As the world prepares for the holidays, families in Ukraine mourn the loss of children who will never again see a Christmas tree, open presents, or sing Christmas carols.
After the campaign, all teddy bears will be handed over to orphanages, hospitals and charitable organizations in Ukraine. More than just gifts, these are reminders to children who have survived war that they are remembered, that they are not alone in their struggle for a normal childhood.
We will remind, according to the Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine, as of November 19, 2024, 592 children were killed and more than 1,702 were injured of various degrees of severity due to the Russian invasion. These figures are only the tip of the iceberg, as heinous crimes often go unaccounted for in a climate of constant aggression.
The world community must not remain silent. Every bear, every name, every story of a dead or injured child is a reminder that humanity must stand up for the innocent. Ukraine continues to defend its rights, and this struggle is not only for its future, but also for the moral obligation of all of us to protect those who cannot protect themselves.
