Andrii Sybiha Joins the Bring Kids Back UA Initiative
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha, took part in the Civil Society And Expert Day event, organized under the Bring Kids Back UA initiative. During the event, civil society recommendations were handed over to the minister for presentation at the upcoming meeting of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, scheduled for May 11 in Brussels. As of today, more than 2,000 children have been brought back home—a significant milestone.
Sybiha stressed the need for unified efforts on the global stage, stating:
“If we want to unite the world, we must be united at home. A single-voice policy is essential for us during wartime, across all sectors.”The discussion also covered priorities ahead of the upcoming summit, including:
- expanding the coalition;
- tracking and verification;
- implementation of the UN General Assembly resolution on the return of Ukrainian children;
- developing rehabilitation and reintegration programs.
Andrii Sybiha emphasized that the ultimate measure of success is bringing children back, noting:
“This is undoubtedly the main criterion. The fact that over two thousand children are now home is a substantial achievement.”He also highlighted the personal leadership of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and First Lady Olena Zelenska in driving this initiative forward.
Additionally, the minister referenced the International Criminal Court’s 2023 arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin and his commissioner for the abduction of Ukrainian children, Maria Lvova-Belova. 'Even though the warrants have not yet been executed—they are already having an effect. We must work to ensure that all those involved face sanctions,' he stated.
Sybiha also underscored the importance of restoring a proper childhood for Ukraine’s youth: 'There are no such things as other people’s children. We must bring not only our children home, but also restore Ukrainian childhood for our kids.' He stressed that holding all perpetrators accountable is an urgent necessity in this mission.
The Foreign Ministry’s efforts to repatriate children are part of Ukraine’s broader strategy to restore the rights of children affected by the war. The return of over 2,000 children represents a major achievement, highlighting the critical role of international support and cooperation. The steps taken under the Bring Kids Back UA initiative reflect Ukraine’s commitment not only to bringing children home but also to ensuring their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
As efforts to repatriate Ukrainian children continue, the recent discussions between the UN and Ukraine highlight the complexities involved, particularly concerning the alteration of documents by Russia. This context underscores the importance of international collaboration in ensuring the safe return of these children, as outlined by Minister Sybiha's statements on the need for unified action.