With Russian President Vladimir Putin's brutish invasion of Ukraine nearing a grim first anniversary, the cost in lives, money and lost opportunity continues to mount.
The United Nations appealed for US$5.6 billion on Wednesday to help the millions of people suffering and displaced by the war. Since Russia's invasion on Feb. 24, 2022, there have been 18,955 civilian casualties recorded in Ukraine – including 7,199 killed and 11,756 injured – but the actual numbers are likely far higher.
U.N. emergency relief coordinator Martin Griffiths and U.N. refugee chief Filippo Grandi launched the appeal in Geneva.
