LONDON (CU)_The ongoing war in Ukraine following Russia’s invasion in late-February, is having a brutal impact on children, particularly those who have been displaced as a result of the geopolitical tensions. According to the United Nations Children’s Fund, colloquially known as UNICEF, a total of 2.5 million children have been displaced internally, while another two million children have been forced to flee the war-torn nation. Meanwhile, sources have revealed evidence of “credible allegations” of sexual violence and other forms of violence against children by Russian troops, with UNICEF warning that the conflict in Ukraine was a worsening “child rights crisis”.
Against this backdrop, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has written an open letter to these innocent victims of war, describing them as role models for children and adults everywhere. “In any other year, children like you would be spilling out of your homes and schools to play with your friends, to chase a football… to simply enjoy what is supposed to be a uniquely carefree time in your lives,” his letter reads. “Of course, this is not any other year.”
He went on to praise Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for his “resolute leadership” and “invincible heroism”, recalling a meeting between the two leaders during PM Johnson’s trip to Kyiv in April. “Many of you have seen or experienced things no child should have to witness,” the British leader said in his letter. “Yet, every day Ukrainian children are teaching all of us what it means to be strong and dignified, to hold your head high in even the toughest of times, I can think of no better role model for children and adults everywhere.”
PM Johnson went on to ask these children to keep two things in mind. Firstly, that they should be proud of their country, parents, families, soldiers and “most of all proud of yourselves”. “And the second thing is that you are not alone,” the letter adds. “You may be separated from your friends at home, but you have millions of others all over the world.”
The British Prime Minister also expressed his confidence in the ability of Ukrainian soldiers to defeat to their Russian counterparts. “I believe, like your president, that Ukraine is going to win this war,” he said. “I hope with all my heart that, one day soon, you will be free to return to your homes, your schools, your families. And whatever happens, however long it takes, we in the UK will never forget you, and will always be proud to call you our friends,” the letter concludes.
