Panama, Switzerland, and Cyprus have joined the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, bringing the total number of participants to 46 countries and three international organizations.
This was stated by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha during a meeting of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children on Monday in Brussels.
“It is important that our coalition is growing. I welcome the accession of Panama, Switzerland, and Cyprus. The coalition now includes 46 countries and three international organizations,” he said.
The minister called on partners to take concrete actions and welcomed the decisions by the United Kingdom, the European Union, and Canada to impose additional sanctions on those involved in the crime of abducting Ukrainian children. He also urged EU partners to introduce entry bans for Russians involved in the deportation, indoctrination, and illegal adoption of abducted children.
“Everyone involved in this crime must be brought to justice, including so-called foster families who have taken in abducted children. An immoral choice must have legal consequences,” Sybiha emphasized.
The head of Ukraine’s diplomacy outlined five priorities for the coalition: developing a concrete roadmap for its members; supporting practical initiatives for tracking, returning, reintegration, and accountability; implementing the UN General Assembly resolution through actions by the UN Secretary-General; introducing new strong sanctions; and enforcing ICC arrest warrants for Putin and Lvova-Belova.
“Statements are not enough. Words of sympathy are not enough. We need action — both political and legal — to ensure accountability and bring our children home. And of course, the best thing we can bring to our children is peace,” Sybiha stressed.
