Zelensky says return of Ukrainian children must remain key issue in politics and media
The return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia must remain one of the key issues in the political and media agenda.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said this during a meeting of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, Ukrinform reports, citing the Presidential Office.
Zelensky expressed gratitude to the European Union and to each country participating in the coalition for the return of children abducted by the aggressor state.
"It matters that we share a common purpose – to investigate these abductions, to return the children, and to help them rebuild normal lives with their families. This is not something abstract. Every case is the story of a real child – and a real family," he said.
The head of state stressed: "By saving these children, we give a chance not only to them – we give a chance to our countries, so that the values that define our lives do not turn to dust. And this raises a fundamental question – 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," Zelensky said.
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.
"Now we truly have a global coalition – from Canada and Latin America, from 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. Almost every month, we see results. Children come home. But many more still need to come home," Zelensky said.
He stressed the need to clearly document where the children are, trace the entire chain of abduction and concealment of the crime, return them, and help them regain normal lives.
According to Zelensky, all of this is difficult, but it is good that the Bring Kids Back UA initiative is working.
"It is good that you are active – at the level of the European Commission, European institutions, international organizations, and the leadership of every country. And I am especially grateful to the First Ladies who help to secure the release of these children. All of this must continue. Please continue to support the specific, practical work of Bring Kids Back UA – including through the Rapid Response Instrument, and through projects in tracing, reintegration and rehabilitation, and strategic communications: this issue – the return of our abducted children – must stay at the top of the media and political agenda," he said.
He added that sufficient resources must also be ensured for legal work.
The International Criminal Court, Zelensky said, has already issued arrest warrants for Russian dictator Vladimir Putin and his associates involved in the abduction of Ukrainian 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," he said.
Zelensky also said that new sanctions have already been imposed on those involved in abducting children and attempting to normalize it, but pressure on Russia must not be reduced.
"Sanctions work. And the world has power. Please use it right," he said.
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