Today marks 41 days since Russian President Vladimir Putin announced his "special military operation" in Ukraine.
Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine began on February 24, we have seen the Ukrainian people left devastated by attacks via land, air, and sea. A recent report from the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) states that 1,480 Ukrainian civilians have been killed and 2,195 have been injured.
However, even the OHCHR has stated that these numbers are being greatly underestimated and that "actual figures are considerably higher".
The UN's Refugee Agency has also reported that over 4.2 million Ukrainians have fled the country seeking asylum.
In recent news, the world has been left stunned by reports of alleged war crimes committed by Russian forces in the Kyiv suburb of Bucha. Responding to the recent shocking images shared around the world, President Joe Biden called for information to be gathered so that Putin can be put on trial for war crimes.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also spoke out about the gruesome scenes in the recently liberated towns of Stoyanka, Irpin and Bucha yesterday.
The leader stated that the towns are "simply ruined" and suggested that over 300 people could have been killed and tortured in Bucha alone. He added that authorities had started an investigation into the heartbreaking scenes.
Per The Guardian, he also asked: "Did hundreds of our people really have to die in agony for some European leaders to finally understand that the Russian state deserves the most severe pressure?"
Despite gaining respect from millions around the world for his response and efforts following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, a recent viral Twitter post has highlighted the toll the ongoing war is having on Zelensky.
Shared to social media on Monday (April 4) by Ukrainian journalist Katya Gorchinskaya, she writes: "These photos were taken 41 days apart by the president’s photographer. The first one on the 23rd of February, the last day of peaceful Ukraine. The second one in Bucha today."
Take a look at the post below:The post has since been retweeted over 68,000 times.
Less than 24 hours after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Zelenksy vowed to remain in the country, despite describing himself as the "number one target".
In a video address calling for the people of Ukraine to stand against Russian forces and fight for the country, Zelensky said: "They want to destroy Ukraine politically by destroying the head of state ... I will stay in the capital."
If you would like to know how you can support the Ukrainian people at this time, click HERE to find a list of organizations and groups dedicated to helping those affected by this crisis.
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