The World Health Organization (WHO) said today that it has registered 703 attacks on health facilities in Ukraine since the beginning of the Russian invasion, BTA reported.

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"This is a clear violation of international humanitarian law and the rules of war," WHO regional director Hans Kluge said in Kyiv.

According to him, this is the biggest attack on health care on European soil since the Second World War.

"Continued attacks on health and energy infrastructure mean that hundreds of hospitals and health facilities are no longer fully functional, lacking fuel, water and electricity to meet basic needs," he said.

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In his words, "half of Ukraine's energy infrastructure is either damaged or destroyed."

"Today, 10 million people - a quarter of the population - are without electricity," said Kluge.

The predicted temperatures of minus 20 degrees represent a serious health hazard.

"Cold weather can kill," he said, noting that "this winter will be a threat to the lives of millions of people in Ukraine."

In addition, he said, "many will be forced to turn to alternative heating methods such as coal or wood, or the use of diesel-powered generators, or electric heaters."

"This carries health risks, including exposure to toxic substances, as well as accidental burns and injuries," Kluge said.

According to him, "all this has a serious impact on the mental health of people in Ukraine."

"About 10 million people are at risk of mental disorders, severe stress, anxiety, depression, substance abuse and post-traumatic stress disorder," he said.

Russian invasion of Ukraine

World Health Organization

Russia-Ukraine war