Three more countries join International Coalition for Return of Ukrainian Children – Sybiha

Panama, Switzerland, and Cyprus have joined the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, bringing the total number of members to 46 countries and three international organizations.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said this at a meeting of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children in Brussels on Monday, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.

"It is important that our coalition is growing. I welcome Panama, Switzerland, and Cyprus joining. The coalition now includes 46 countries and three international organizations," he said.

The minister called on partners to take concrete action and welcomed the decisions of the United Kingdom, the European Union, and Canada to impose additional sanctions on those involved in the crime of abducting Ukrainian children. He also urged EU partners to introduce entry bans for Russians involved in the deportation, indoctrination, and illegal adoption of abducted children.

"Every individual involved in the crime must face justice. Including so-called adoptive families who took stolen children. Immoral choices should have legal consequences," Sybiha said.

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He outlined five priorities for the coalition: developing a concrete roadmap for its members; supporting practical initiatives on tracing, return, reintegration, and accountability; implementing the UN General Assembly resolution through action by the UN Secretary-General; introducing new tough sanctions; and enforcing the International Criminal Court's arrest warrants for Vladimir Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova.

"Statements are not enough. Words of sympathy are not enough. Actions, both political and legal, are needed to ensure accountability and bring our kids back home. And, of course, the best thing we can bring to our children is peace," Sybiha said.

In December 2025, 91 countries supported a United Nations General Assembly resolution demanding Russia's immediate, safe, and unconditional return of all forcibly transferred Ukrainian children.

Photo: Bring Kids Back UA