Ukrainian Foreign Minister, Pavlo Klimkin on Friday, on International Children’s Day, said over 240 children have been killed since the start of the conflict in eastern Ukraine.

“About 200,000 children live along the contact line separating the conflicting sides with 15,000 of them residing in the 5km zone around the line of fighting.

“Each of them is at risk every day and deserves to feel safe,’’ Mr Klimkin said.

The conflict in eastern Ukraine started in April 2014, after government forces launched offensives to regain control of the cities and towns seized by armed groups which had declared independence from Kiev.

The situation in the region has escalated in recent weeks, with civilians killed and injured in hostilities.

On Wednesday, the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe urged conflicting parties in Ukraine to pay special attention to the safety of children.

International Children’s Day was established in 1949 by the Women’s International Democratic Federation.

It is celebrated worldwide on June 1 each year.

(Xinhua/NAN)