The return of Ukrainian children who have been illegally deported or forcibly transferred by Russia is both a humanitarian imperative and a central element to achieving a just and sustainable peace in Ukraine.

Following the high-level meeting of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children yesterday, co-chaired by Prime Minister Carney and President Zelenskyy, the leaders issued the following joint statement affirming their determination to continue working together to support the safe return, reintegration, and rehabilitation of these children.