We must clearly document where Ukrainian children are, track the full chain of abduction and the cover-up of this crime, bring the children back, and help them return to normal life. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said this during a video address at the meeting of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children.
The Head of State thanked the European Union and all the countries that have joined the search for and return of Ukrainian children. The President noted that the members of the coalition share a common purpose: to investigate the abductions, return the children, and help them rebuild normal lives with their families. According to the President, saving Ukrainian children gives a chance not only to them, but also to countries – a chance not to allow the values that define their lives to be reduced to ashes. At the same time, a fundamental question arises: how did it become possible for Russians to simply abduct tens of thousands of children, hide them, tear them away from their families, and then teach them to hate the very country they were abducted from?
“When a country becomes such an evil force – a force that does not stop even at destroying the lives of children – this cannot be treated as just a regional problem, something happening “somewhere far away”. If a country commits such crimes against children, it means it is capable of any crime. And that is exactly why this challenge requires a global response,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized.
The President noted that a truly global coalition has already been created: from Canada, Latin America, the United States, and Argentina to Europe and Japan.
“And today, Switzerland and Cyprus are joining our coalition. We now have almost 50 countries standing together in this coalition – and I am grateful for that,” the Head of State said.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that there are results almost every month, and children are returning home, but many more are still waiting for this opportunity. “We must clearly document where the children are, track the full chain of abduction and the cover-up of this crime, bring the children back, and help them find themselves again and return to normal life. None of this is easy,” the President added.
The Head of State noted the work of the Bring Kids Back UA initiative and the efforts of partners at the level of the European Commission, European institutions, international organizations, and the leadership of each country. Volodymyr Zelenskyy also thanked the first ladies of various countries for their assistance in freeing Ukrainian children.
The President called for continued support for the work of Bring Kids Back UA, in particular through the Rapid Response Instrument, as well as through projects in tracing, reintegration and rehabilitation, and strategic communications. The Head of State emphasized that the issue of returning abducted Ukrainian children must stay at the top of the media and political agenda. It is also necessary to ensure sufficient resources for legal work.
“The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Putin and his accomplices in the abduction of children. This is a global case – and it must have global consequences. Everyone who commits crimes against children must truly feel that this is wrong,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized.
The Head of State drew attention to the fact that new sanctions were introduced today against those who abduct children. He emphasized that pressure on Russia must not be eased, and sanctions are working.
On the occasion of the meeting, the United Kingdom, Canada, and the European Union imposed sanctions on Russian entities and individuals involved in the abduction of Ukrainian children. The United Kingdom imposed restrictions on 85 individuals and legal entities, and Canada on another 23 individuals and five organizations. The European Union’s sanctions package includes 16 individuals and seven organizations.
The International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children began its work on February 2, 2024. Today, the third high-level meeting was held, with the participation of Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha and representatives of 63 countries and international organizations. Since the coalition began its work, 2,134 children have been brought back home.