Discussion on Return of Abducted Children by Russia

Dariia Zarivna, the Chief Operating Officer of Bring Kids Back UA and Advisor to the President of Ukraine, recently met with Julie Davis, the U.S. Chargé d’Affaires a.i. in Ukraine, to discuss the return of children abducted by Russia. The meeting focused on Russia’s actions erasing the identity of Ukrainian children, including forced passportization and militarization in occupied territories, as well as the involvement of youth in paramilitary organizations.

Zarivna presented the Bring Kids Back UA initiative, outlining efforts to locate abducted children and facilitate their return through mediation and rescue missions. She also discussed the reintegration and rehabilitation system for children successfully returned to Ukraine. Additionally, Zarivna highlighted the work of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children and the Bring Kids Back UA International Expert Group.

The meeting between Zarivna and Davis also touched on advocacy efforts at the international level and strategic communication regarding the return of Ukrainian children. This discussion sheds light on the challenges faced by Ukrainian children subjected to deportation and forced relocation by Russia. The initiative aims to address these issues and ensure the safe return and reintegration of abducted children back into Ukrainian society.