U.S., Ukraine Discuss Children’s Return

Ukrainian First Lady Olena Zelenska met with U.S. State Department representatives to discuss efforts to return Ukrainian children allegedly deported or forcibly transferred to Russia, according to Ukraine’s presidential website. The meeting took place on Jan. 7, 2026, with Riley M. Barnes, the U.S. assistant secretary of state for democracy, human rights and labor.

Zelenska said Ukrainian authorities have received approximately 20,000 reports involving the deportation or forced transfer of children. She accused Russia of blocking international monitoring, concealing information and altering children’s personal data. Russia has rejected allegations of systematic wrongdoing and describes its actions involving Ukrainian children as humanitarian evacuations.

The meeting also focused on support for children after their return. Zelenska said 848 children and their families received assistance in 2025 through Ukraine’s national support system, established as part of the country’s Better Care reform.

She called for international support for projects including social housing, supported living for young people with disabilities, homes for large foster families, humanitarian aid and psychological rehabilitation camps. Zelenska said the return and reintegration of children would be an important part of what she described as a just peace for Ukraine.