In the midst of war, photographs of babies in Ukraine send some hope, but they also show human vulnerability.
Emilio Morenatti, the head of photography at The Associated Press, shared the image of newborn twins, who had to be protected in the basement of a hospital.
“The newborn twins sleep in the basement used as a bomb shelter in the Okhmadet children’s hospital in the center of Kiev,” Morenatti wrote.
Children are the most vulnerable victims of this war, as Morenatti reflects.
“Sick children and women with their newborn babies are found in the basement of the children’s hospital,” says the photographer.
Moretti has shared other photos about the invasion of Russia, highlighting the effects of the war on ordinary people, such as soldier Valery , from 28, who helps a family to seek shelter. He carries a child after the destruction of a bridge.
Unicef has warned that the invasion of Ukraine is an “immediate threat” for 7.5 million children in the country.
“Humanitarian needs multiply and spread hour after hour,” the agency said. “Children have been killed. Children have been injured. They are deeply traumatized by the violence around them.”
He warned that thousands of children could be left without their parents, because thousands of people have been displaced and family members “are separating from their loved ones”.