Ukraine’s stolen children crisis looms large as NATO meets on Russia’s war
Share and Follow

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

The thousands of Ukrainian children abducted since Russia’s invasion began three-and-a-half-years-ago are once again at the forefront of international discussions as NATO leaders convened to discuss the war.

Following Russia’s deadly 2022 invasion, Ukrainian children have been among the war’s chief victims, with Kyiv confirming that there have been at least 19,546 cases of unlawful deportation and forced transfer of Ukrainian children to Russia, Belarus, or Russian-occupied territory, by Russian authorities.

Some reports have suggested the number of forcibly transported Ukrainian children could be significantly higher, ranging closer to 35,000 abductions – many of whom are feared to have been illegally adopted. 

Ukrainian girl sits on evacuation bus

A girl waves while sitting in an evacuation bus on Sept. 17, 2024, in Pokrovsk, Ukraine.  (Yan Dobronosov/Global Image Ukraine via Getty Images)

Zelenskyy appeared to surprise Trump by in turn handing him a letter written by his wife, Olena Zelenska, intended for the first lady. 

The contents of the second letter have not been disclosed, but Trump noted his wife’s compassion when it comes to the issue of children – a topic Zelenska has also worked to address. 

“She sees the heartbreak, the parents, the funerals that you see on television, always funerals,” Trump said. 

Some children have been returned to Ukraine incrementally through the help of third-party mediators, like Qatar and the Vatican, though reporting suggests only some 1,500 have been released by Russian authorities. 

Ukrainian negotiators have been pushing for the return of the Ukrainian children for months as they meet with Russian counterparts in Turkey.

While prisoner-of-war swaps have been agreed to, Zelenskyy said Russian officials have refused to hand over any Ukrainian children directly to Kyiv. 

Thousands of Ukrainian children have been abducted by Russia

Thousands of teddy bears and toys representing the thousands of children abducted during the war in Ukraine at the Rond-point Schuman in Brussels Feb. 23, 2023.  (Nicolas Maeterlinck/Belga Mag/AFP via Getty Images)

“We cannot reach an agreement with them on the return of the children,” Zelenskyy told reporters last week, adding that despite attempts it remains “impossible” without the help of other parties involved. 

“That is why we wanted to get certain matters settled in this trilateral track: ceasefire, an all-for-all exchange, and the return of children,” he added. “This is something everyone benefits from: President Trump benefits, the Russians lose nothing, the Ukrainians lose nothing. It’s a fair compromise.”

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
The holy day murderer on bail for rape: Terrorist's life as a pyjama-wearing, debt ridden loner whose wife left him

Bailed Terror Suspect Accused of Rape: The Troubling Story of a Man Abandoned by His Wife

The Yom Kippur killer was on bail for alleged rape before his…
Grieving Jacksonville mother relieved after arrest in teen daughter's fatal hit-and-run

Jacksonville Mother Finds Some Relief After Arrest Is Made in Daughter’s Fatal Hit-and-Run Case

Shardae Webber expresses relief as police arrest Andre Myers for the fatal…
Latter-day Saints hold first general conference without a president in at least a century

For the first time in over 100 years, the Latter-day Saints conduct a general conference without a president leading the event.

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day…
Taylor Swift has 'never been so excited' over new album

Taylor Swift is ‘thrilled’ about her new album

IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site…
Shutdown delays jobs report, leaving Wall Street without key data

Government Shutdown Postpones Jobs Report, Leaving Wall Street in the Dark

NEW YORK () The ripple effects of the government shutdown have hit…
Alaskan climbing star dies in fall from Yosemite's El Capitan

Tragic Fall Claims Life of Renowned Alaskan Climber on Yosemite’s El Capitan

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK — A popular Alaskan climber fell to his death…
New Hampshire teen who killed sister-in-law and nephews could get 97 years in prison

New Hampshire Teenager Faces Up to 97 Years in Prison for Killing Sister-in-Law and Nephews

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — A young man from New Hampshire who was…
Trump responds to Hamas agreeing to release hostages

Trump Reacts to Hamas’ Decision to Release Hostages

IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site…