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Ukrainian First Lady Olena Zelenska has called on the international community to prioritize the return of over 19,000 Ukrainian children who remain missing since Russia’s invasion in 2022. Many of these children were abducted during chaotic evacuations or forcibly separated from their families at Russian checkpoints, later placed in homes, military camps, or subjected to forced labor in Russia.
Zelenska shared heartbreaking stories, including that of Illia, a young boy who was abducted and then abandoned due to health issues, never to be seen again. She highlighted that some children are prohibited from speaking Ukrainian or contacting their families, with reports of abuse and even suicides among them.
Although around 1,500 children have been returned, the process remains slow and emotionally devastating. Zelenska emphasized that their repatriation should be a priority in peace negotiations, urging international pressure on Russia to allow independent verifications and ensure the safe return of all missing children.
Her plea underscores the urgent humanitarian crisis and the need to protect the future of Ukraine’s youngest victims, shining a spotlight on the human cost of the ongoing conflict.
