Bringing Ukrainian children home is essential to a just and lasting peace

The return of Ukrainian children is an essential part of a just and lasting peace.

With this shared call, diplomats from Ukraine, Canada, and Norway are reaching readers across the world through media outlets in different regions. From Daily News Egypt in Egypt and Daily Maverick in South Africa to The Indian Express in India, La Nación in Argentina, and The Hill in the United States, these publications deliver a common message to international audiences: the return of those held by Russia is essential to achieving a just and lasting peace.

For Ukrainian children, time is of the essence. Russia conceals their whereabouts, changes their personal data, and attempts to erase their Ukrainian identity. International attention must therefore be accompanied by sustained efforts to bring them home.

On September 28–29, 2026, Ukraine, Canada, and Norway jointly hosted the Second International Conference on the Return of Ukrainian Children, Detained Civilians, and Prisoners of War, titled Pathways to Peace, in Toronto.

The event brought together 83 delegations. Fifty-four states and international organizations endorsed the Joint Communiqué, including the Toronto Commitment to identify Ukrainians held by Russia, bring them home, and support their recovery.

For children, this means strengthening search and verification efforts, expanding safe pathways for return, and providing long-term support to children and their families after their return. Shared priorities for search, return, reintegration, and accountability are also reflected in the 2026–2027 agenda of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children.

As part of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s Bring Kids Back UA initiative, government institutions, civil society organizations, and international partners are working together to achieve these goals.

We thank Canada, Norway, and all the diplomats and partners helping mobilize international support to bring Ukrainians home.

Read and share the joint appeal in the first comment.

We will continue our work until every Ukrainian child returns home.