International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression is observed annually on June 4th. This date was established by the UN General Assembly on August 19, 1982.

In Ukraine, according to the Verkhovna Rada's decision, this day is also a Day of Remembrance for children who died as a result of the war with the Russian Federation, starting from June 1, 2021.

Since 2014, the situation in Ukraine has been dire: children and families face constant danger, suffering injuries and losing loved ones.

As of June 4, 2025, the state portal "Children of War" reported 1975 recorded cases of child injuries and 631 fatalities due to Russian aggression. However, these figures may not be comprehensive due to ongoing combat.

During the full-scale invasion, 12 children lost their lives in the Odesa region, 9 of whom were in Odesa.

The memory of each child is sacred.

We are called to keep it in our hearts, in prayer and love, so we never lose the capacity to empathize.

* * * * *

On this day, commemorative events for the children lost to war are held as part of the "Voices of Children" initiative led by First Lady Olena Zelenska.