From October 30-31, 2024, a Ministerial Conference on the Human Dimension of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s Peace Formula was held in Montreal, Canada. This conference, like the previous ones focused on specific points of the Peace Formula, is part of Ukraine’s preparations for the second Peace Summit.

The Montreal Conference centered on implementing the 4th point of the Peace Formula: "Release of all prisoners and deported individuals." Canada, Norway, and Ukraine co-chaired the working group on this issue and co-organized the conference.

The Ukrainian delegation was led by Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration and Minister of Justice Olha Stefanishyna, Minister of Foreign Affairs Andriy Sybiha, and Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak.

The Montreal Conference was truly global, bringing together over 70 countries from all continents and international organizations.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau participated in the conference’s plenary session on its second day, emphasizing the urgent need for collective efforts and commitments to end Russian aggression and restore a just and lasting peace for Ukraine.

A special guest at the event was Liev Schreiber, Ambassador of United24, who highlighted in his speech that, “Russia has deliberately targeted Ukrainian children. Alongside its barbaric attacks on civilians, abducting Ukraine’s future is a fundamental part of Putin’s war strategy.”

At the conclusion of the conference, participants adopted a Joint Communiqué (https://tinyurl.com/5c5j6yck). Its key element, the "Montreal Pledge," aims to strengthen efforts to return all Ukrainian prisoners and deportees, including military personnel, civilians, and children.

Practical Outcomes of the Conference:

• The Communiqué identifies intermediary countries for negotiations with Russia regarding the return of Ukrainians:

  • Qatar, the Vatican, and South Africa will mediate issues related to the return of Ukrainian children.
  • Qatar and Lithuania will ensure the safe transit of children back home.
  • The United Arab Emirates will continue its role as an intermediary in prisoner-of-war exchange negotiations.

• An agreement was reached to create a group of countries that will closely cooperate with Ukraine to collect, search, and verify detailed information on Ukrainian captives, including children forcibly displaced or still held in captivity.

The Joint Communiqué reflects a set of principles that conference participants will adhere to in the future. It reaffirms unwavering support for Ukraine's victory and condemns any country aiding Russia’s aggression.

We express deep gratitude to Canada and Norway for their leadership and significant contributions to supporting Ukraine.