As part of the Bring Kids Back UA initiative, more than 2,100 children who had been forcibly displaced by Russia have been returned to Ukraine.

Since the start of 2026, 150 children have been returned to Ukraine. Meanwhile, a special commission under the Ukrainian Ministry of Justice continues to analyse data on cases of abduction of Ukrainian children.

What is known about the return of Ukrainian children?

As of August 2025, the authorities had confirmed the unlawful removal of 19,500 Ukrainian children from the temporarily occupied regions to Russian territory.

Not only Ukraine, but also international partners are working to secure the children’s return. In 2024, an International Coalition was formed, comprising 41 countries and the Council of Europe.

Furthermore, in October 2025, the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe appointed a Special Representative on the abduction and deportation of Ukrainian children.

A special commission under the Ukrainian Ministry of Justice continues to analyse and verify information regarding every case of the abduction of Ukrainian children by Russia.

Separately, the meeting participants discussed further steps towards implementing the UN General Assembly resolution ‘Return of Ukrainian Children’, adopted in December 2025. Furthermore, in the report of the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine, the deportation and forced displacement of Ukrainian children were, for the first time at UN level, classified as a crime against humanity.

The next step in international efforts will be a meeting of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, to be held on 11 May in Brussels.

Ukraine is counting on broad participation from partners and concrete decisions to expedite the return of children who have been illegally removed.