Her name was Polina. She is one of 16 children killed by Russian soldiers.

This post includes distressing imagery and the topic of death, and could be triggering for some readers.

Her name was Polina. She was a fourth-grade student in school, who lived in Ukraine. And sadly this week, she became one of 16 children killed by Russian soldiers.

Polina was shot and killed in Ukraine's capital city of Kyiv. She was travelling via the family car in her neighbourhood with her mum and dad, and two siblings. Her parents were also killed as a result of the shots fired by the Russians, and her two siblings are being treated for gunshot wounds.

Kyiv's deputy mayor Volodymyr Bondarenko shared the news via social media, writing: "Her name was Polina. Today's morning (26 of February) she and her parents were shot by a Russian infiltration team. Her sister is in intensive care and her brother is being treated at a children's hospital after the attack."

Watch: Ukrainian apartment building hit in Kyiv. Post continues below.

Only five days into Russia's invasion of Ukraine, there are reports of 16 children killed by Russian soldiers, and another 45 children wounded.

These children are the innocent victims of war. 

Many are also having to say goodbye to their male loved ones, given the news that men aged between 18 and 60 are banned from leaving Ukraine, so they can fight for their country.

One video, which has already been viewed millions of times across social media, shows a little girl and her father saying their goodbyes to each other. Another shows a young Ukrainian boy being driven to safety, his father having to stay and fight. 

While many of us might feel helpless watching the unfolding situation from home, here are some things we can do to help.

UNICEF is the world's leading organisation working to "protect and improve the lives of children" worldwide. They're currently delivering on-the-ground emergency relief to the people of Ukraine with safe water, health care, protection from violence, and psychological support. You can donate to UNICEF here.

United Help Ukraine receives and distributes donations, food, and medical supplies to internally displaced Ukrainians, anyone affected by the conflict, and the families of wounded or killed soldiers. You can donate to United Help Ukraine here.

The Ukrainian Red Cross Society are raising money to support volunteers and staff by providing first aid in areas where access to medical services will be limited. You can donate to the Ukrainian Red Cross here.

Feature Image: Facebook.