United Nations, Nov 18 (EFE).- Almost a quarter of Ukraine is covered in landmines, making it one of the most mined places in the world, Rosemary DiCarlo, the United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, told a Security Council meeting on Monday to mark 1,000 days of war.
DiCarlo read her statement on behalf of the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, who is attending the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro.
In addition to the human toll (12,164 deaths), injured, and displacement (4 million internally and 6.8 million abroad), the war in Ukraine has caused significant damage to infrastructure, such as the destruction of the Kakhovka Dam, which has led to massive agricultural losses in the country, one of its key sectors.
An entire generation of children will be deprived of regular education, as many schools have had to switch to virtual formats or take refuge in basements to protect against potential bombings, DiCarlo reminded. The schools destroyed or severely damaged stands at 1,358.
In addition, there has been the total or partial destruction of 580 healthcare facilities in attacks that have resulted in numerous casualties among medical and paramedical staff.
DiCarlo stressed that the fighting intensified dramatically in October and November, with some of the most intense attacks of the entire war.
Just this past weekend, Russia launched one of its deadliest attacks, firing 120 missiles and 90 drones at infrastructure across the country, causing severe damage.
DiCarlo also pointed out that the approaching winter could make life extremely difficult for Ukrainians, as Russian attacks have severely damaged much of the country’s energy infrastructure, in addition to causing significant damage to the homes of more than 2 million people. EFE
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