UNICEF reports a surge in child casualties amid Russian attacks in Ukraine. UNICEF has reported a sharp increase in the number of children killed as a result of Russian attacks in Ukraine. According to verified UN data, from January 1 to March 31, 2024, 25 children were killed as a result of attacks, with the youngest being just two months old. It is reported that nine children died as a result of attacks during the first three weeks of April. Official UN data indicates that since the escalation of the war in 2022, at least 600 children have been killed due to attacks, and over 1350 children have been injured. UNICEF added that the actual number of children killed and injured is likely much higher. Furthermore, the infrastructure critical to children in Ukraine continues to be targeted. In the first three months of 2024, thousands of houses were damaged or destroyed, along with 36 medical facilities and 140 educational institutions, according to the report. UNICEF noted that attacks on power and water sources have further disrupted the functioning of essential services, putting the lives and well-being of children at even greater risk.
The US says it commenced ammunition supply to Ukraine; Belgium vows to deliver F-16s by 2024. During a briefing, Pentagon spokesman Pete Ryder announced that the United States has commenced supplying Ukraine with the ammunition crucially needed by the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Responding to a journalist’s inquiry regarding the timeline for Ukraine to receive the initial shipment of weaponry within the new American aid package, Ryder affirmed, “We’ve already started the process to move some of the weapons, ammunition and equipment which will be, you know, as I mentioned earlier there within days, if not sooner.” Additionally, During the Ramstein meeting, Pentagon Chief Lloyd Austin announced that Ukraine will see the arrival of its first F-16 fighters this year, along with skilled pilots. He emphasized that Ukraine is set to receive additional squadrons of F-16s, including trained pilots and support staff who are members of this Contact Group.
Meanwhile, Belgian VRT reported that Belgium is set to deliver the promised F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine by 2024, with the aircraft’s provision funded by frozen Russian assets, as confirmed by Prime Minister Alexander De Croo and Defense Minister Ludivine Dedonder. De Croo hailed the transfer of F-16s as a pivotal move for Ukraine’s defence, noting Belgium’s previous involvement in the F-16 coalition, which entailed aircraft repairs and pilot training. “Now our country is part of a select few that will directly provide aircraft to Ukraine,” De Croo remarked. Belgium plans to initially send up to 4 aircraft to Ukraine, with additional deliveries contingent upon the arrival of the F-35s, the prime minister added.
Lithiania’s President Nausėda addresses the potential deployment of nuclear weapons in Poland. Following Poland’s announcement of its readiness to host NATO nuclear weapons, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda emphasised that such a decision by the Alliance would enhance deterrence and fulfil European security expectations. Speaking to reporters during military exercises in Dirmiškės, Nausėda acknowledged the increased military presence in the region, particularly citing the deployment of tactical nuclear weapons in the Kaliningrad region and reportedly in Belarus. He stressed that the proposal to deploy nuclear weapons is not a call to arms or a threat to Russia but rather a crucial component of the deterrence strategy aimed at maintaining stability and security in the region.
On Monday, April 22, Polish President Andrzej Duda declared that Warsaw is ready to accommodate NATO nuclear weapons in response to Russia’s growing military capabilities in Belarus and Kaliningrad. He mentioned that the deployment of NATO nuclear weapons in Poland has been under discussion between Poland and the United States for some time. “I’ve had several discussions on this matter. I openly stated our preparedness when asked about it. Russia’s increasing militarisation of the Kaliningrad region is concerning. Recently, they’ve relocated their nuclear weapons to Belarus,” explained President Duda. He further highlighted that if NATO decides to deploy nuclear weapons in Poland, it will be done through the nuclear sharing program, which allows non-nuclear member countries access to nuclear warheads.
