The President of the Spanish Senate has called on Russia to return more than 20,000 abducted Ukrainian children

Pedro Rollán Ojea, President of the Spanish Senate, held a special conference dedicated to the issue of the forced deportation of Ukrainian children by the aggressor country. 

According to the Spanish Senate, the official called Russia’s actions “the most despicable act” and called on the international community to unite in support of Ukraine.

Two Ukrainian teenagers—Ivan Matkovsky and Ivan Sarancha, who were successfully returned from deportation—spoke at the event. They shared their personal experiences of being in Russia. Rolán Ojea emphasized that the return of over 20,000 abducted children is critically important, and that a Ukrainian defeat in the war against Russia would have devastating consequences for democratic systems and future generations worldwide.

Spain remains an active participant in the international coalition for the return of Ukrainian children. The Senate President’s appeal reinforces Madrid’s position on the need to uphold international law and increase pressure on the Kremlin to stop war crimes against minors. Continued support for Ukraine from Spanish partners covers both humanitarian and political-legal areas.

Since the beginning of 2026, Ukraine has managed to repatriate 150 children abducted by Russia.

A high-level meeting dedicated to the issue of returning Ukrainian children deported by Russia will take place in Brussels on May 11. It will be jointly hosted by the European Union, Ukraine, and Canada. During the event, participants plan to discuss specific mechanisms for returning children to Ukraine, as well as steps to hold Russia accountable.