EU, Ukraine, Canada and partners join efforts to return unlawfully deported Ukrainian children

On 11 May, representatives of the European Union, Ukraine and Canada hosted a high-level meeting of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children. 

Since the start of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, more than 20,500 Ukrainian children have been recorded as unlawfully deported or forcibly transferred to Russia or to temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine. 

On behalf of the EU, High Representative and Commission Vice-President Kaja Kallas, and Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos, joined representatives from around 60 countries to reaffirm a shared commitment to stepping up actions for securing the return of every Ukrainian child forcibly transferred or unlawfully deported by Russia, and to ensuring full accountability for these crimes committed by Russia. 

“Tens of thousands of Ukrainian children taken by Russia remain separated from their country and loved ones. We will not rest until every single one of them is reunited with their families,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said. “With €50 million, we’re putting concrete support behind our commitment. Strengthening protection systems, providing education and ensuring justice for the stolen children. The return of each child must be part of any peace agreement.”

Following the meeting, the European Union, Ukraine and Canada issued joint conclusions reflecting the commitments agreed by partners.

Participants agreed on a set of concrete measures, such as strengthening tracing, verification and monitoring, supporting Ukrainian return and reintegration efforts, boosting the diplomatic track, introducing sanctions and ensuring accountability.

To support these efforts, the European Union is mobilising an additional €50 million to strengthen Ukraine’s child protection system, expand child-centred and community-based services, support early childhood education, improve access to justice, and reinforce digital systems, including for compensation claims.

As part of the meeting, a documentary After the Rain: Putin’s Stolen Children Come Home, featuring first-hand accounts from Ukrainian children and their families, was presented. The film will be available for viewing on the audiovisual portal for one month free of charge.

The International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children was launched in Kyiv in February 2024. Co-chaired by Ukraine and Canada, the Coalition welcomed the EU as a full member in September 2025. It now unites 49 countries and international organisations, serving as the central platform for coordinating diplomatic, humanitarian, legal, and informational efforts to address the unlawful deportation and forcible transfer of Ukrainian children.

Find out more

Press release