The Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children has gained three new members

Panama, Switzerland, and Cyprus have officially joined the international coalition to rescue deported minors. The coalition now comprises 46 countries and three international organizations, underscoring the global concern over Russia’s crimes. 

This was announced by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga during a meeting in Brussels on May 11, according to Glavkom.

The Foreign Minister called on international partners to increase pressure on the aggressor through personal sanctions and travel bans for individuals involved in the illegal adoption and indoctrination of Ukrainians. According to official statistics, Russia has forcibly removed over 20,000 children, and the coalition is working on verifying their identities and ensuring their physical return home. Andriy Sybiga also noted recent steps taken by the United Kingdom, Canada, and the EU to impose additional restrictions on those organizing the deportations.

The expansion of the coalition’s membership to include countries in Latin America and Europe is an important signal for increasing legal pressure on Moscow. In addition to political statements, the coalition is focusing on creating mechanisms to verify the whereabouts of every abducted child. It should be noted that Ukraine and Canada serve as co-chairs of the coalition and are actively promoting this issue in all international forums.

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