On July 17, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine an event was held titled “Between Brussels and Toronto: Ensuring the Continuity of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children” as part of the President of Ukraine’s “Bring Kids Back UA” initiative, with the participation of representatives from the Coalition’s member states, partner countries, and international organizations.
The meeting was attended by the head of the “Bring Kids Back UA” initiative Maksym Maksymov, Advisor and Commissioner of the President of Ukraine for Children’s Rights and Child Rehabilitation Daria Herasymchuk, First Deputy Minister of Social Policy, Family, and Unity of Ukraine Liudmyla Shemelynets, Commissioner for Human Rights of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Dmytro Lubinets, Advisor to the Office of the President of Ukraine Oleksandr Bevz, as well as representatives of the Ministry of Justice of Ukraine, the Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine, the Coordination Center for the Development of Family Upbringing and Child Care, and leading civil society organizations.
Speaking on behalf of Minister for Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiha, Deputy Foreign Minister Mariana Betsa emphasized in her remarks: “The return of Ukrainian children who were illegally deported and forcibly displaced by Russia remains one of the priorities of Ukraine and the international community. The goal of today’s event is to develop an action plan for 2026-2027 and to formulate a strategic vision. A just peace in Ukraine is impossible without the return of all Ukrainian children to their homes”.
Mariana Betsa highlighted the results achieved thanks to the work of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, particularly during the ministerial meeting in Brussels, and emphasized the importance of maintaining consistent international pressure on Russia, specifically through the strengthening of sanctions and ensuring accountability.
During the meeting, Maksym Maksymov, head of the Bring Kids Back UA initiative, presented participants with the latest information on Ukraine’s efforts to return children and his vision for the future development of the International Coalition.
The meeting participants discussed the Coalition’s achievements following the ministerial meeting in Brussels, next steps for the return of illegally deported and forcibly displaced Ukrainian children, and priorities for international cooperation in the coming period. Particular attention was paid to locating children, verifying their data, ensuring their return, rehabilitation, and reintegration, holding perpetrators accountable, and increasing international pressure on those involved in crimes against Ukrainian children.
During the discussion, participants emphasized the importance of continuing to involve international organizations in efforts to return Ukrainian children and document violations of their rights.
Special attention was given to preparations for the Second International Conference on the Return of Ukrainian Children, Illegally Detained Civilians, and Prisoners of War, which will take place in Toronto in September 2026 and will be co-organized by Canada, Norway, and Ukraine. The participants reaffirmed the importance of further consolidating international efforts to secure the return of all Ukrainian citizens unlawfully detained by Russia and supported active preparations for this event.
Following the discussion, it was announced that consultations would begin on drafting the International Coalition’s Agenda for the Return of Ukrainian Children for 2026-2027. The document is intended to serve as a common framework for coordinating the efforts of Coalition member states, Ukrainian government institutions, and civil society to enhance the effectiveness of international efforts to return Ukrainian children home.