Olena Zelenska Spoke About the Consequences of the War for Ukrainian Children to Representatives of the European Economic and Social Committee During a Special Debate

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First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska took part online in a special debate of the European Economic and Social Committee and spoke about what Ukrainian children are forced to endure because of Russian aggression.

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"Four years of fighting for life. Four years is a lot even for an adult. And for millions of Ukrainian children, it is almost an entire childhood. The worst thing is that for 684 of our children this childhood has already been cut short. They were killed. More than 2,000 children have been injured over these years. Even children's hospitals today are not safe places, as Russia targets them - more than 800 medical facilities in Ukraine have already been damaged," Olena Zelenska said in her video address.

The First Lady noted that children abducted by Russia are in an even more difficult situation. Some of them have been returned home thanks to the efforts of Ukraine and partners around the world.

"I would like to thank President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen for the initiative to hold an international summit in Brussels on the return of Ukrainian children. We very much count on the effectiveness of this work, as most abducted children are still in Russia," the President's wife emphasized.

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Olena Zelenska also spoke about what the state is doing to protect Ukrainian children: underground schools and shelters are being built, the school nutrition reform continues, and psychological assistance is expanding within the All-Ukrainian Mental Health Program. Some of these projects are also implemented by the Olena Zelenska Foundation.

"I hope these debates will not only be a conversation: anyone can join each of the projects I have listed. Ukraine today is a hub of innovative social and humanitarian projects and ideas. What saves and helps us now will help and save others tomorrow. Every initiative can and should be supported," the First Lady concluded.

The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) is an advisory body of the European Union composed of 329 representatives of EU member states. The debate on the impact of the war on Ukrainian children was initiated by EESC President Séamus Boland.

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