On January 7, Deputy Foreign Minister of Ukraine Mariana Betsa met with U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor Riley Barnes in the course of his working visit to Ukraine.

Special attention during the meeting was devoted to humanitarian priorities, including assistance with the return of Ukrainian children unlawfully deported by Russia.

Mariana Betsa emphasized that the unconditional return of all Ukrainian children abducted by Russia is an essential component of ensuring just and lasting peace in Ukraine.

"The Ukrainian side is grateful to the U.S. Government and Congress for their consistent support in the context of returning Ukrainian children illegally deported by Russia, and the involvement of the U.S. First Lady, as well as the engagement of American institutions and civil society further contribute to advancing this important issue," stated Mariana Betsa.

The Deputy Minister provided the U.S. side with a detailed briefing on the dire human rights situation in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine.

Mariana Betsa underscored the imperative of holding the Russian Federation accountable for its systemic violations of international law and crimes committed against civilians.

The parties also addressed Russia’s instrumentalization of religion as a means of waging aggressive war, directed not only against Ukraine but also against the entire civilized world.

The meeting affirmed the joint resolve of Ukraine and the United States to further enhance cooperation in humanitarian and human rights domains.

The parties agreed to maintain close dialogue and coordination in support of Ukraine’s sovereignty, resilience, and long-term recovery.