During their visit to Vienna, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and First Lady Olena Zelenska met with Federal President of Austria Alexander Van der Bellen. One of the key topics of the meeting was the return of Ukrainian children who have been deported or forcibly transferred by the Russian Federation.
A significant part of the visit was devoted to Ukraine’s efforts to return these children home and to explore Austria’s potential role as a mediator in this process.
Following the meeting, Ukraine’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiha and Austria’s Federal Minister for European and International Affairs Beate Meinl-Reisinger signed a Joint Communiqué on the Protection and Return of Ukrainian Children Affected by Russian Aggression.
The document affirms both countries’ commitment to strengthening cooperation in protecting Ukrainian children deported or forcibly transferred by Russia, which is a clear violation of international law.
It also confirms Austria’s support for the Bring Kids Back UA initiative and its readiness to explore further opportunities within the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children. These include helping identify abducted children, document violations, and support their safe return, rehabilitation, and reintegration.
Austria’s support and engagement are deeply appreciated — every step forward brings us closer to justice.