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The wife of Ukraine’s president begged international media in an emotional plea Sunday to share the “terrible truth” of how Russian forces are brutally murdering children.

“I appeal to all the unbiased media in the world! Tell this terrible truth: Russian invaders are killing Ukrainian children,” first lady Olena Zelenska posted on Instagram below photos of five children killed by Russian attacks.

“Tell it to Russian mothers — let them know what exactly their sons are doing here, in Ukraine,” the photo caption read. “Show these photos to Russian women — your husbands, brothers, compatriots are killing Ukrainian children! Let them know that they are personally responsible for the death of every Ukrainian child because they gave their tacit consent to these crimes.”

At least 38 children have died in the conflict so far, according to official estimates.


  First lady Olena Zelenska GINTS IVUSKANS First lady Olena Zelenska GINTS IVUSKANS

  Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Olena Zelenska at Mykhailivska Square in Kiev, Ukraine, on August 24, 2020. Anadolu Agency Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Olena Zelenska at Mykhailivska Square in Kiev, Ukraine, on August 24, 2020. Anadolu Agency

“This figure might be increasing this very moment due to the shelling of our peaceful cities!” Zelenska’s caption continued. “When people in Russia say that their troops are not hurting the civilian population, show them these pictures! Show them the faces of these children who weren’t even given a chance to grow up. How many more children must die to convince Russian troops to stop firing and allow humanitarian corridors?”

The five children featured in the Instagram post ranged in age from 18 months to 14 years, she said.

The 18-month-old, Kirill Yatsko, was photographed by the Associated Press as his parents frantically carried the toddler into a hospital in the southern Ukrainian city of Mariupol.


  Marina Yatsko runs behind her boyfriend Fedor carrying her 18 month-old son Kirill at a hospital in Mariupol, Ukraine, Friday, March 4, 2022. AP Marina Yatsko runs behind her boyfriend Fedor carrying her 18 month-old son Kirill at a hospital in Mariupol, Ukraine, Friday, March 4, 2022. AP

  Marina Yatsko and her boyfriend Fedor comfort each other in a hospital in Mariupol, Ukraine, after her 18-month-old son Kirill was killed by shelling, Friday, March 4, 2022. AP Marina Yatsko and her boyfriend Fedor comfort each other in a hospital in Mariupol, Ukraine, after her 18-month-old son Kirill was killed by shelling, Friday, March 4, 2022. AP

  Alisa from Okhtyrka died in the shelling with her grandfather. Instagram/@olenazelenska_officia Alisa from Okhtyrka died in the shelling with her grandfather. Instagram/@olenazelenska_officia


  Sofia, 6 years old, was shot to death in a car with her family. Instagram/@olenazelenska_officia Sofia, 6 years old, was shot to death in a car with her family. Instagram/@olenazelenska_officia

  Polina from Kyiv died during the shelling on the streets of the capital. Instagram/@olenazelenska_officia Polina from Kyiv died during the shelling on the streets of the capital. Instagram/@olenazelenska_officia

  Arseniy, a 14-year-old boy, bled to death after a fragment of a projectile hit his head. Instagram/@olenazelenska_officia Arseniy, a 14-year-old boy, bled to death after a fragment of a projectile hit his head. Instagram/@olenazelenska_officia
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