The International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children issued a joint statement to Russia: immediately and unconditionally return the Ukrainian children
05 August 2025 17:53
On August 5, the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children issued a joint statement to Russia: immediately and unconditionally return the Ukrainian
children whose names were officially handed over by Ukraine during bilateral talks in Istanbul on 2 June 2025.
Eight weeks have passed since Ukraine submitted an initial list of unlawfully deported or forcibly transferred children as a confidence-building measure and a humanitarian gesture to encourage Russia to act in good faith. Moscow has refused to cooperate or propose any credible mechanism for their return.
This is not a political favor. It is a binding legal obligation under international law, including the Geneva Conventions and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
The Coalition’s message is clear:
Return the children now, without delay or conditions. Provide full, verifiable information on all deported children’s whereabouts, well-being, and legal status. End the manipulation of their identities through forced citizenship changes, illegal adoptions, militarization, and indoctrination.
The world is watching. Good faith is not declared — it is proven through action. Until every unlawfully taken Ukrainian child is accounted for and safely home, our commitment will not waver.
