In Kyiv, First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska met with High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas.
The First Lady thanked for the assistance to Ukraine and, in particular, to Ukrainian children. Olena Zelenska noted that the European Union has officially joined the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children.
“We are grateful that Europe speaks with one voice when it comes to protecting children. This helps not only to return those who were abducted by Russia, but also to defend the rights of all Ukrainian children,” emphasized the First Lady.
Olena Zelenska explained that after returning home, children need long-term psychological and social adaptation, as well as comprehensive support – including professional psychological care, social support, access to education, healthcare, affordable housing, and integration programs within communities. Therefore, during the Summit of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, Ukraine presented humanitarian projects aimed at supporting them.
These include “Social Housing for Youth,” “Supported Living” – housing and education for Ukrainians aged 16–23 with disabilities; “Room for Childhood” – construction of homes for large foster families; “Minivans for Large Foster Families” – providing transport for safety and daily needs; “Humanitarian Assistance” – support for large foster families with household appliances, furniture, and educational devices; and “Psychological Rehabilitation Camps” – camps for children and adolescents who have experienced war or deportation.
“The European Union is already our important partner in developing school nutrition – we are grateful for this support. But this area can be strengthened even further, particularly through the participation of the EU and its member states in developing school infrastructure, such as the construction of shelters and modernization of kitchen facilities,” the First Lady concluded.