The return of Ukrainian children has taken on a global scale, says Betsa
Panama’s accession to the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children demonstrates that the issue of Russia’s deportation of Ukrainian minors has become a pressing concern not only for Europe but also for countries in the so-called Global South.
This was stated by Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Mariana Betsa, commenting on the results of the high-level meeting of the International Coalition in Brussels.
“The issue of deportation is no longer purely regional—it has taken on a global and universal scale,” the diplomat emphasized.
According to Betsa, Switzerland and Cyprus have also joined the coordination platform. Thus, the number of coalition members has grown to 49 countries and international organizations.
During the meeting, new packages of international aid were announced for the identification, return, and rehabilitation of Ukrainian children who were illegally taken to Russia or to the occupied territories.
Specifically:
- The European Union has mobilized 50 million euros to strengthen the child protection system;
- Lithuania has allocated 10 million euros to counter forced deportation;
- Canada provided $3.4 million to the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission and announced a special summit to be held in late September;
- Germany has allocated 1.4 million euros for social and psychological assistance;
- The United Kingdom has allocated 1.2 million pounds for the search and identification of Ukrainian children.
In addition, the United Kingdom, the EU, and Canada have tightened sanctions against Russian officials believed to be involved in the illegal removal of Ukrainian children.
Mariana Betsa also emphasized the importance of implementing the UN General Assembly resolution on the return of Ukrainian citizens.
According to her, the document received unprecedented support in New York and should serve as a tool for more actively engaging international mechanisms in returning deported Ukrainians home.
Prior to this, Panama, Switzerland, and Cyprus officially joined the international coalition to rescue deported minors. The coalition now comprises 46 countries and three international organizations, underscoring the global attention to Russia’s crimes.
The EU has expanded sanctions against Russia for the abduction of Ukrainian children.
The EU is preparing a new package of sanctions against Russia targeting the shadow fleet.
