Overview

• On August 5, 2025, the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, co-chaired by Canada and Ukraine and joined by 38 countries, the EU and the Council of Europe, issued a joint statement demanding immediate action from Russia.
• Canada and Ukraine formally presented Russia with a list of 339 children in Istanbul on June 2 and have reiterated calls for their unconditional return to families in Ukraine.
• The coalition has demanded that Russia furnish full and verifiable information on each child’s whereabouts, well-being, legal status and health and allow unhindered access for international humanitarian teams.
• Members urged Moscow to cease efforts to alter the children’s identities through citizenship changes, placement in Russian families or institutions, ideological indoctrination and exposure to militarization.
• Despite mounting legal pressure underscored by ICC arrest warrants and potential sanctions, Russia has remained silent and offered no mechanisms for repatriation, raising concerns over stalled diplomatic efforts.