New York [US]: More than 1 million children have now fled Ukraine as war continues to ravage the country, UNICEF said on Thursday. Most have fled with their families to Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, Moldova and Romania.
"The number of children on the move is staggering, an indication of how desperate the situation for children and families in Ukraine has become," said UNICEF Regional Director for Europe and Central Asia Afshan Khan. "Children are leaving everything they know behind in search of safety. This is heart-breaking."
So far, six trucks carrying nearly 70 tons of supplies have arrived to Ukraine. The supplies include personal protection equipment and medical, surgical and obstetric kits.
Working with partners, UNICEF said that it will be delivering medical supplies to 22 hospitals in 5 different conflict-affected areas of Ukraine, to benefit 20,000 children and mothers.<br>In a press statement, the UN agency renewed its call for safe, rapid and unimpeded humanitarian access to reach populations in need, and for the safe passage of civilians to reach the services and protection to which they are entitled.
While the businesses are being paused given the current situation, the staff based in Russia will continue to be employed.
"Even as we pause these businesses, we remain committed to our dedicated colleagues in Russia, who will remain employed. And we continue to work with our NGO partners to provide urgent aid and other much-needed assistance to refugees," Disney's statement read.
This move comes after the entertainment and media conglomerate on March 1 announced its plans to halt the release of new movies in Russia.
Russia has faced economic blowback to its decision to wage war on Ukraine. In response to the country's invasion, several entertainment companies including Amazon, Netflix and WarnerMedia, Sony Music have decided to pause or entirely withdraw business in Russia, while all of the major studios including Paramount Pictures have announced they will stop premiering their films in the country.
Outside of Hollywood, companies like Microsoft, Apple and Dell have suspended sales in Russia. (ANI)
