A high-level Brussels trip will bring EU and NATO talks alongside a coalition push to speed up return of Ukrainian children.

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andriy Sibiga will visit Brussels on Monday, May 11, where he will participate in EU and NATO-related events and in the ministerial meeting of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children.

The MFA’s press service said this.

It is noted that at the start of the visit Sibiga will speak at the European Union’s Foreign Affairs Council meeting, where the emphasis will be on increasing pressure on the aggressor, supporting Ukraine, and pursuing peaceful efforts.

“Special attention will be given to accelerating Ukraine’s accession to the EU and the opening of negotiation clusters”

– MFA’s press service

The ministry added that on the sidelines of the meeting, a number of bilateral talks with European partners and the signing of bilateral documents are planned.

In addition, at NATO headquarters the Foreign Minister will hold talks with Secretary General Mark Rutte on strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities, protecting against threats from Russia, and advancing the peace process.

Expected Focus Areas of the Meeting and Participation in the Coalition

The key event of the visit will be the minister’s participation in the high-level meeting of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, organized jointly by Ukraine, the European Union, and Canada, according to the MFA.

Attending the event will also be Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Anand, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas, EU Commissioner Marta Kos, senior representatives of states and international organizations – coalition members, international partners of Ukraine, the Bring Kids Back UA initiative.

The meeting will be devoted to strengthening international efforts to return Ukrainian children who have been illegally deported or forcibly displaced by the Russian Federation. Participants will discuss practical steps in key areas: determining the whereabouts of the children, mechanisms for their return, rehabilitation and reintegration, tightening sanctions and legal pressure on Russia, and coordinating international diplomatic efforts.

As of the end of April, thanks to the Bring Kids Back UA initiative, 2,126 Ukrainian children abducted by Russia have been returned.

Deputy Foreign Minister Maryana Beza stated that Ukraine calls for intensifying diplomatic pressure on the Russian Federation to return abducted children and, together with partners, is developing unconventional solutions.

In this context, diplomatic efforts will continue so that every child returns home with safety and dignity.