August 5, 2025 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

As co-chairs of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, Canada and Ukraine renew their call for Russia to immediately and unconditionally return Ukrainian children who have been unlawfully deported or forcibly transferred from Ukraine. These children have faced unimaginable pain as they were unlawfully deported or forcibly taken away from their families and their communities in clear violation of international law.

Today, Canada and Ukraine, together with 36 members and two observers of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children and the Council of Europe issued a joint statement calling on Russia to immediately return these children and comply with its international legal obligations.

Russia’s actions constitute grave breaches of international law, including the Geneva Conventions and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Canada and Ukraine reiterate the unwavering commitment of coalition members to protect children affected by Russia’s illegal, unprovoked, and unjustifiable full-scale military invasion of Ukraine.

In June 2025, the Government of Ukraine formally presented Russia with an initial list of 339 unlawfully deported children and requested their immediate and unconditional return. To date, Russia has failed to meaningfully respond, demonstrating a deliberate disregard for dialogue and constructive cooperation.

The coalition calls on Russia to provide full and verifiable information on where these children are, their well-being and their legal status. The return of Ukrainian children is one vital step to ensure that children are never used as pawns of war.

Today’s joint statement reaffirms the coalition’s commitment to coordinated action that supports Ukraine’s efforts to ensure every unlawfully taken child is accounted for, returned home and is given the support needed to heal and reintegrate.