We are grateful to Bosnia and Herzegovina and Foreign Minister @dinokonakovic for confirming their intention to join the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children.

With this decision, the Coalition reaches 50 members – a significant milestone that reflects growing international unity in addressing one of the gravest consequences of Russia’s war against Ukraine.

At the High-Level Meeting of the Coalition in Brussels on 11 May, co-hosted by Ukraine, Canada, and the European Union, 63 countries and international organizations were represented. Partners reaffirmed that the return of Ukrainian children is both a humanitarian imperative and an essential part of a just and lasting peace.

Every new member strengthens our collective ability to locate, return, and support Ukrainian children who have been deported, forcibly transferred, or remain under Russian control. 

The Coalition also plays a vital role in advancing accountability, supporting reintegration efforts, improving tracing mechanisms, and ensuring that the return of Ukrainian children remains a global priority.  

As of today, 2,232 Ukrainian children have been returned home through the multistakeholder efforts coordinated within the framework of the President of Ukraine’s Bring Kids Back UA initiative.

Russia’s control over Ukrainian children remains not only a humanitarian issue, but also a long-term security challenge that must be addressed as part of any just and lasting peace.  

Every verified case is not just a number. It is a child whose life has been shaped by war, occupation, and forced separation.

We continue working until every Ukrainian child is returned home.