The head of the Ukrainian charity fund “Let’s help the children”, human rights defender Nicolae Kojushko came to Moldova to collect funds for children from the conflict areas of Ukraine. According to the data presented in a news conference on July 24, more than 23,000 children need assistance, including 7,000 orphans from Donetsk and Luhansk, IPN reports.

Nicolae Kojushko said that 20 children aged between 8 and 15 died in Ukraine since the armed conflicts started there. One third of the children who became orphans suffer from chronic diseases and the medicines they need cannot be found in Ukraine or are too expensive.

According to the activist, there are people with influence, Russian and Ukrainian businessmen behind the conflict in southeastern Ukraine. They encourage the confrontations so as to promote their own interests and the children have to suffer the consequences. “I personally saw that those children do not have food and drinking water and look through garbage bins. They need protection, assistance and understanding,” stated Nicolae Kojushko.

Those who want to contribute money, clothes, hygiene and other products can take them to the National Foundation for Children “Speranta” that is situated at 21 Ismail St, office 19. Contact number 069140788, Oleg Dolinga, the Foundation’s president.