Ukraine has managed to repatriate 2,790 children out of more than 20,000 who, according to the Ukrainian authorities, were illegally deported or forcibly displaced by Russia. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the new figures following a conversation with Andorra’s Prime Minister, Xavier Espot Samora. The parties agreed to work out specific steps to help bring Ukrainian children home. Support for Ukraine’s energy sector following Russian attacks was a separate topic of discussion.
- Zelenskyy announced that 2,790 Ukrainian children out of more than 20,000 had returned.
- The President discussed new opportunities for international humanitarian mediation with the Prime Minister of Andorra.
- Ukraine is engaging the Vatican, Middle Eastern states and other international partners.
- The Ukrainian and Andorran teams have agreed to work out specific steps for the return of the children.
- The parties also discussed support for Ukraine’s energy sector following the Russian attacks.
Ukraine has repatriated 2,790 children out of more than 20,000
According to Zelensky, Ukraine has managed to bring back 2,790 children whom Russia had taken from the occupied territories or was holding on its own territory.
The President emphasised that every return requires a lengthy process: establishing the child’s whereabouts, investigating the circumstances of their removal, obtaining documentary evidence and organising their safe return.
According to the Head of State, the Russian side is resisting these efforts, which is making the process considerably more difficult.
Ukraine is working to secure the return of the children in collaboration with the Vatican, countries in the Middle East and other international partners.
Diplomatic assistance is particularly important in cases where the mediation of a third country is required to establish contact with the child or secure their return.
Andorra may help with the return of deported children
During a conversation with the Prime Minister of Andorra Xavier Espot Samora Zelensky discussed the possibilities of involving this European country in humanitarian work.
The parties focused on specific mechanisms for providing assistance to Ukrainian children who remain outside Ukraine’s control.
Following the talks, it was agreed to establish contact between the relevant teams and to continue working together.
The President did not provide any details of future measures. In particular, it is not yet known whether Andorra will act as a mediator in the negotiations, assist with the search for the children, or become involved in other humanitarian efforts.
At the same time, the agreement opens up the possibility of expanding the number of countries assisting in the return of Ukrainian children.
Why is international mediation required to secure the return of children?
Since the start of the full-scale invasion, Ukraine has been documenting cases of the unlawful deportation and forced displacement of children from the temporarily occupied territories.
The Russian occupation authorities took some of the minors to the Russian Federation, whilst others were placed in institutions or with families in territories under Russian control.
In March 2023, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants Vladimir Putin and the Russian Commissioner for Children’s Rights Mariya Lvova-Belova on suspicion of war crimes relating to the unlawful deportation and displacement of Ukrainian children.
To organise the repatriation, Ukraine is liaising with countries that have diplomatic channels of communication with Russia.
One such partner is The Vatican. The Holy See has repeatedly reaffirmed its willingness to support humanitarian efforts, in particular the return of deported children.
The involvement of international mediators makes it possible to work on individual cases even in the absence of direct agreements between Ukraine and Russia.
Zelenskyy has asked Andorra to support Ukraine’s energy sector
The second topic of the talks was the situation in the Ukrainian power system.
The President briefed the Prime Minister of Andorra on the consequences of Russian missile and drone strikes on power stations, substations and other energy infrastructure facilities.
According to Zelenskyy, any support for the energy sector now and throughout the winter could ease the situation for Ukrainians.
This involves providing support to a country that is subject to regular attacks on facilities essential for the supply of electricity, heating and the operation of critical infrastructure.
No specific amounts of aid or agreements on the supply of equipment were announced following the talks.
As it prepares for winter, Ukraine is continuing negotiations with its international partners on the restoration of damaged equipment and ensuring the resilience of the power system.
According to the Ministry of Energy, since the start of the week – 2 November – Russian troops have carried out 78 targeted strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
Following Zelenskyy’s talks with Espot Samora Senior officials from both countries must agree on the next steps regarding the return of the children and ways to support the Ukrainian energy sector.
