In Kherson region, occupants killed 44 children in less than a year

In the Kherson region, over 1000 criminal proceedings were investigated in the first 9 months of this year regarding crimes committed by Russians against children. This figure reflects the scale of crimes committed by the occupiers in the region.

This was reported by the Kherson Regional Prosecutor's Office.

According to statistics on physical harm, 213 proceedings have been opened over the deaths of 44 and injuries to 249 children. In addition, cases are being investigated regarding forced deportation (28 proceedings), illegal deprivation of liberty (24 proceedings), and militarization and propaganda among children in the occupied territory (7 proceedings).

The Kherson Regional Prosecutor's Office has already sent three indictments to court. One of them concerns sexual violence committed by a Russian serviceman, the other is for creating a 'Yunarmiya' cell where Ukrainian children were involved in military propaganda. In another criminal proceeding, five Russian servicemen were notified of suspicion of killing civilians, including three children, and two others were injured.

Against the backdrop of these crimes, the regional authorities are taking measures to support the victims. According to the new decision, 78 children deported by the Russian occupiers to Russia, Belarus or the temporarily occupied territory of Kherson region after February 24, 2022, will receive a one-time financial assistance of UAH 30,000 from the regional budget.

This financial support is part of a broader initiative. A pilot project has already been launched in the Kherson community to provide comprehensive support to both returned children and their families. The main goal is to create a safe space. To do this, a specialist is in constant contact with each family to help solve urgent problems: from restoring documents and arranging education to providing medical and psychological support.

Катерина Глушко