International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children: High-Level Meeting in New York
23 September 2025 21:31
The return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia is one of Ukraine’s top priorities. In New York, the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children held a high-level meeting on the sidelines of the 80th UN General Assembly, highlighting global support for Ukraine on this issue.
The meeting was attended by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Prime Minister of Canada Mark Carney, alongside First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska and the spouse of Canada’s Prime Minister, Diana Fox Carney.
Over 15 heads of state, six first ladies and gentlemen, senior representatives of governments and international organizations, as well as Her Majesty Queen Mathilde of Belgium and Her Majesty Queen Silvia of Sweden, participated.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Leaders’ Summit of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children:
"The greatest gift is a normal childhood. The lowest crime – replacing it with war and its cruelty. We need real results – the actual return of all abducted children.
It is fair and symbolic that the first crime Putin has been charged with is his crime against children. I thank every country that enforces the ICC warrant. This matters. And it must not be forgiven.
Thanks to our “Bring Kids Back UA” initiative and the support of partners, 1,625 children have already returned to Ukraine. Each return is a success, a child saved, but also a challenge, as reintegration and protection from trauma are needed.
The First Lady of Ukraine contributes to reintegration projects for abducted children. I welcome all to join. We are also starting a Tracing Mechanism to collect data on displaced children. Russia hides the truth, so this work is crucial to hold those responsible accountable.
I urge you: in every sanctions package, increase pressure on Russian politicians, officials, judges, propagandists, and others involved in child abductions and the attempt to “re-program” their mind.
All this is known – the camps where abducted children are taught hatred, the institutions involved, even structures of Russia’s state church used to erase children’s Ukrainian identity. Those who act rather than close their eyes defend humanity.
Everyone in Russia involved in child abduction, “re-education” and abuse will be sanctioned. Sanctions packages are never easy. But adding those guilty of crimes against children makes this work stronger and gives it moral force."
Video of the meeting: https://tinyurl.com/57dzrmuf
Read the full address by the President here: https://tinyurl.com/37dhcfrv
