High-level meeting of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children

Ukraine and Canada established the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children in February 2024 to combat Russia’s long-standing practice of forcibly transferring Ukrainian children. Since 2014, over 20,000 Ukrainian children have been deported or moved to Russian-controlled territories, disrupting their lives and severing ties to family and home. The coalition, now comprising 49 states and international organizations including the EU, aims to trace missing children, facilitate their safe return, and support their recovery. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy launched the Bring Kids Back UA initiative in 2023 to provide a national framework for these efforts, while the coalition mobilizes global support for tracing, repatriation, and accountability. Russia has not disclosed comprehensive information on deported children, complicating recovery efforts. Despite challenges, over 2,130 children have been returned and integrated into rehabilitation programs. The coalition’s work reflects a shared conviction that children must never be exploited as tools of war. Ukraine and Canada, as co-chairs, have prioritized keeping the issue on the international agenda and encouraging practical humanitarian and legal assistance. The EU joined the coalition in September 2025, reinforcing its commitment to protecting children’s rights in conflict zones. Efforts remain critical as thousands of children remain under Russian control, separated from their families and communities. The coalition’s humanitarian focus ensures that international standards for child protection are upheld, emphasizing that safeguarding children is a global responsibility.