Hope Reigns for Ukraine’s Children

In a high-profile meeting held on December 1, 2025, in Paris, key international figures, including Ukraine’s First Lady Olena Zelenska and France’s Brigitte Macron, convened to address the pressing issue of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia. The event, part of the “Bring Kids Back UA” initiative, saw the participation of around 150 attendees from various sectors, including political, diplomatic, and philanthropic communities.

The primary focus of the meeting was the ongoing efforts and achievements of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children. To date, this coalition has successfully facilitated the return of 1,859 children to Ukraine. The coalition, which includes 42 countries alongside major international organizations, underscores a global commitment to addressing this humanitarian crisis. However, the First Lady emphasized the need for continued support, highlighting the necessity of psychological and social reintegration for the returned children.

The gathering also served as a platform for presenting several key initiatives aimed at supporting the affected children and their families. This includes the establishment of a rehabilitation center in Cherkasy, with the backing of the French government, and a strategic cooperation agreement between the cities of Nantes and Kherson to support wellness and reintegration programs for 30 children, including orphans. Furthermore, the Île-de-France region pledged to provide 400 school buses to improve educational access in the Kyiv region.

The collaborative efforts and international support highlight a robust response to the abduction and forced displacement of Ukrainian children, transcending political barriers to uphold human rights and justice.