Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney co-hosted a high-level panel discussion on Tuesday addressing the forced displacement of Ukrainian children, an issue Kyiv describes as one of the most egregious consequences of Russia’s ongoing invasion.
Held on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, the event brought together diplomats, human rights experts, and international legal advocates to spotlight the plight of thousands of children allegedly taken from occupied territories and transferred to Russia or Russian-controlled areas.
President Zelenskiy called the abductions a “systematic violation of international law,” urging global leaders to intensify efforts to identify, locate, and repatriate the children. Prime Minister Carney reaffirmed Canada’s support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and emphasized the need for coordinated international action to hold perpetrators accountable.
The panel underscored the importance of documentation, legal redress, and psychological support for affected families. It also called for stronger enforcement of international humanitarian norms and expanded cooperation with the International Criminal Court and UN agencies.
The issue remains central to Ukraine’s diplomatic outreach, as Kyiv seeks justice and reunification for families torn apart by war.
