Zelensky praised Melania “for her attention to one of the most painful and difficult issues of this war – the abduction of Ukrainian children by Russia,” adding “we deeply appreciate her compassion”.
“This issue lies at the heart of the war’s humanitarian tragedy – our children, broken families, the pain of separation.”
Ukraine’s president continued: “Her voice matters, and her care gives strength to this cause.”
The Ukrainian government says around 19,500 children, external have been deported and/or forcibly removed from their homes to Russia or Russian-occupied territories, with roughly 1,500 returned.
In 2023, the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for the Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Children’s Rights Commissioner Maria Lvova-Belova for the alleged unlawful deportation of children.
Russia denies the accusation and says it has protected vulnerable children by moving them from a war zone for their own safety.
The return of children is part of Ukraine’s position in peace negotiations with Russia.