The first step in rescuing Ukrainian children abducted by Russia is finding information about them; the second is strong international pressure on the aggressor state. First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska stated this in an interview with Fox News.
The President’s wife noted that Ukraine is seeking every possible way to influence Russia and thanked the United States and U.S. First Lady Melania Trump for their advocacy and involvement in returning Ukrainian children abducted by Russia.
“Right now, with tremendous effort, we are bringing children back in small groups, while thousands of others are effectively spending their childhood in isolation, without the possibility of returning home. That is why it is important for more countries and public figures to get involved,” the First Lady emphasized.
Olena Zelenska noted that returning children is not only about crossing the border, but also about ensuring family-based care, housing, education, and access to medical and psychological assistance.
“We hope for the support of our international partners in this as well. Because we have so much to return to our children. First and foremost – their stolen childhood,” she said.
The President’s wife also spoke about her participation in the Fostering the Future Together summit of Melania Trump’s initiative, which took place at the White House.
“It is encouraging that we – people from all over the world who gathered at this event – share the view that we must protect children in an era of rapid technological development. Children must know how to use technology safely, have digital hygiene skills, and make AI their assistant, not a substitute for learning. This is a very important initiative by Ms. Trump,” Olena Zelenska stressed.
She noted that digitalization is precisely what helped Ukraine maintain public services and education for children during the full-scale Russian invasion.
“Due to the fact that Ukraine is a developed digital state, we were able to establish distance learning for a third of our schoolchildren who cannot study in person. I therefore hope that the development of digital solutions will give our children additional opportunities in life – and that it is these opportunities, not war, that will shape their future,” Olena Zelenska concluded.