Ukraine and Austria Unite for Child Return

In a significant diplomatic effort, Dariia Zarivna, Advisor to the Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine and Chief Operating Officer of Bring Kids Back UA, held crucial meetings in Vienna to enhance cooperation with Austria on the return of Ukrainian children abducted by the Russian Federation. The discussions were centered on expanding collaborative efforts to address the illegal deportation and forced transfer of these children.

During the meetings, Zarivna highlighted the challenges posed by Russia’s refusal to acknowledge these actions, obstructing access to information and cooperation with humanitarian organizations. This situation, she noted, is a calculated policy to erase Ukrainian identity, as Russian authorities alter children’s documentation and relocate them to remote areas.

The dialogue also focused on the Joint Communiqué on the Protection and Return of Ukrainian Children Affected by Russian Aggression, signed by the Foreign Ministers of Ukraine and Austria. Austria expressed strong support for the Bring Kids Back UA initiative and pledged continued collaboration within the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children. Key topics included data verification, documenting international law violations, and reintegration projects for the children.

The meetings underscore a commitment to international cooperation in resolving this humanitarian crisis, with Austria standing as a pivotal ally in Ukraine’s efforts to protect its youngest citizens against forced displacement.