**Ukraine Commemorates Children Killed in War**
A special event was held near the Washington Monument on November 29. It honored children who died during the war with Russia near Ukraine’s homes.
The event featured 600 teddy bears, each one named after a child whose life was cut short by the Russian war. The ambassador of Ukraine to the US, Oksana Markarova, said many of the stuffed animals were bought with donations from American children. This display is a powerful reminder of the human cost of the war.
**The Human Cost**
Since Russia’s invasion began, 575 Ukrainian children have been killed and 1,609 hurt. A study found that almost all Ukrainian children (99%) experienced psychological effects from the war. These children are worried about many things, including their safety at home, how they look to others, and whether they will make friends.
**Ambassador’s Call for Action**
Ukraine’s Ambassador Markarova called on the US government to provide more military support, impose harsher sanctions against Russia, and punish those who committed crimes against humanity. She said, “We want freedom and peace for Ukrainian children. We also want to bring them joy.”
**The Teddy Bears’ Next Home**
After the memorial event, the teddy bears will be donated to homes where children live, hospitals, and charities in Ukraine.