Mom Nadiia gently touches her child for the final time. - Zlata, aged 4, was struck by a missile fired by Putin directly in the heart.
These photos that circulated worldwide on Sunday from Odessa (Ukraine) illustrate the true intensity of Russia's assault on Ukraine: Mother Nadiia Rostochyl sobs over her four-year-old daughter Zlata. One of Putin's bombs struck Zlata on April 29 during a raid in Odessa's city center. For a month, the kid fought for survival. Her parents, grandparents, and friends held out hope, feared, and prayed. However, Zlata eventually lost the fight, and was laid to rest in the Orthodox Church in Odessa on May 26.
Since the start of the offensive against Ukraine, at least 10,946 civilians have died, including around 600 children. The UN has confirmed these official figures. The actual number could be much higher. Odessa, the southern Ukrainian seaport, has been the target of relentless attacks.
More Attacks on Civilians
Nadiia Rostochyl is one of many mothers who have had to stand by their child's coffin since the Ukraine conflict began. The attacks keep coming, unabated. On June 15 and 16, a convention for Ukraine's peace will be held near Lucerne (Switzerland). Switzerland has invited 160 delegations. Russia won't be participating in the conference.
In the midst of this horrific situation in war-stricken Ukraine, pressure is mounting on the German government to remove constraints on deploying Western weapons against Russian targets. Andreas Schwarz (SPD, 59) of the "Rheinische Post" expressed his thoughts on this matter: "Putin is utilizing our limitations mercilessly." He is referring to Russia's offensive on civilians while the Ukrainian army lacks the essential gear for air defense.
Similarly, Johann Wadephul (CDU, 61) said, "The Western restrictions on the use of the weapons we've supplied are only helping Russia, and they should be dismantled immediately."
Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD, 65) remains resolute, refusing to grant Taurus missile launchers to Ukraine despite the mounting pressure from the global community.
As long as Ukraine is unable to defend itself, Nadiia Rostochyl and mothers like her will continue to stand by the graves of their children, lost for words and overwhelmed by grief.
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