Russian diplomat says Ukrainian strikes killed 72 children since start of 2026
In short
Russian Foreign Ministry ambassador-at-large Rodion Miroshnik said Ukrainian strikes had killed 72 children and wounded 484 since the start of 2026, Russian outlets reported on October 14. He said 101 children were affected in August alone.
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Rodion Miroshnik, an ambassador-at-large at Russia's Foreign Ministry, said 72 children had been killed and 484 had been wounded or maimed in strikes by Ukrainian armed formations since the start of the year. RIA Novosti reported his remarks on October 14. Vedomosti, citing RIA Novosti, identified the period as the start of 2026 onward. [ 3 , 4 ]
Miroshnik said 101 children were affected in August alone and described an increase in deliberate attacks on minors. TASS also reported his figures of 72 deaths and 484 wounded children. The casualty figures and the characterization of the strikes were presented as Miroshnik's statements. [ 1 , 3 , 4 ]
Why it matters
The reported figures concern child casualties in the war. They are attributed to a Russian diplomat; the supplied reports do not include independent verification or a Ukrainian response.
Key facts
Confirmed by several sources
Still unclear
- Independent verification of the casualty totals and the claim of deliberate targeting. The reports attribute the figures and allegations to Miroshnik and do not provide independent corroboration or a Ukrainian response.