Ukraine calls on Philippines to support return of children deported by Russia

According to the Presidential Office’s press service, the Embassy of Ukraine in the Philippines organized a special event to mark Ukraine’s Constitution Day. Daria Zarivna, Advisor to the Head of the Office of the President and Chief Operating Officer of President Zelenskyy’s Bring Kids Back UA initiative, addressed the audience with opening remarks via video.

“The Bring Kids Back UA initiative, established by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, works every day to locate, return, and reintegrate every abducted child. So far, we have managed to bring back over 1,300 children. But thousands still remain under occupation or have been taken to Russian territory,” Zarivna stated.

She emphasized that the international community — including the Philippines — can play a vital role in returning Ukrainian children. Zarivna called on the country to join the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, which currently includes 41 countries and the Council of Europe.

“Please remember: thousands of Ukrainian children have been robbed of their childhood because of Russia’s criminal actions. But with your help, we can bring them home. Children are not bargaining chips,” Zarivna stressed.

• On April 2, another 11 children were returned to Ukrainian-controlled territory from temporarily occupied areas and Russia.