Russia-Ukraine war: Worsening humanitarian crisis as violence escalates

It has been over a month since Russia launched a military operation in Ukraine. While Russian strikes continue to cause mounting casualties in Ukraine, there seems to be no sign of any peace treaty between the two sides.

The war-torn nation of Ukraine continues to reel under Russia’s attack, with hundreds of buildings across cities reduced to rubble and millions forced to flee their homes.  The evidence for mounting death toll is piling up with every passing day.

Daunting numbers paint a grim picture

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The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) recorded 3,090 civilian casualties in the country between 24 February and 29 March 2022. The tally includes 1,189 deaths, including 57 children.

As per the agency, nearly a quarter of Ukraine’s population has been forced to flee. More than 4 million people have fled the country while nearly 6.5 million are estimated to be stranded in affected areas or unable to leave due to heightened security risks, destruction of bridges and roads, as well as lack of resources or information about where to find safety and accommodation.

Moreover, “60% of all Ukrainian children have been displaced since Russia began its invasion on February 24,” says the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).  

UNGA’s resolution against Russia for humanitarian crisis in Ukraine

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A resolution condemning aggressive attacks by Russia on Ukraine for causing a humanitarian crisis has been approved by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), with 140 countries saying a ‘yay’ while five countries – Russia, Belarus, Eritrea, North Korea, and Syria – voiced a ‘nay.’ Also, there were about 38 countries that chose to abstain from voting.

The resolution calls for a humanitarian corridor and demands an immediate ceasefire.

Also, amid the ongoing war, several sanctions have been imposed on Russia's strategic industries, banks, and business elites, in a bid to weaken its hold.

The other side of the coin - Is the West politicising humanitarian issues?

While the West and European nations have widely condemned Russia’s actions in Ukraine, Moscow is crying foul, accusing the West of politicising the issue.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov recently said: "We can see that our Western colleagues are making every effort within the United Nations in order to politicise humanitarian issues and turn them against Russia”.