Welcoming Remarks by

Deputy Permanent Representative of Ukraine Ms. Khrystyna Hayovyshyn
at the Event: “Safeguarding Ukraine's Children: Combating Russia's Unlawful Abduction and Indoctrination”

(24 November 2025)

Distinguished guests, dear colleagues,

First of all, I would like to express my gratitude to the Consulates General of Lithuania, Canada, and Sweden for organizing this timely and important discussion.

It is especially heartening to see among our panelists — individuals with deep expertise on this issue — people who are directly engaged in the difficult work of rescuing Ukrainian children from Russian captivity. I am confident that our distinguished speakers will illustrate why the swift return of these children is so urgent and so critical.

Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has brought unimaginable suffering, and among its most painful and devastating crimes are those committed against children.

Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion:

• almost 700 children have been killed;

• more than two thousand have been wounded;

• tens of thousands have been forcibly transferred or deported.

We cannot restore the lives that have already been lost or undo the trauma inflicted on Ukrainian children. But together, we can stop the ongoing abductions before more families are torn apart.

It is self-evident that every child taken must be returned. Yet Russia continues to conceal the true number of abducted children in an attempt to evade responsibility.

This is why addressing this grave issue at the United Nations is so urgent. Ukraine has introduced the draft UN General Assembly resolution “Return of Ukrainian Children,” a clear and essential humanitarian initiative. It calls for:

The immediate, safe, and unconditional return of all Ukrainian children forcibly transferred or deported by the Russian Federation.

The immediate end to all practices of forcible transfer, deportation, separation from families, alteration of personal status — including citizenship or adoption — and indoctrination of Ukrainian children.

The active engagement of the UN Secretary-General, who is requested to use his good offices and take all necessary steps to facilitate the children’s return.

The vote is expected in early December.

We are grateful that Lithuania, Canada, and Sweden are among the strongest supporters of this initiative. We also welcome the support of the United States.

My request to you today is this: please help us secure the broadest possible support among UN Member States for this vital initiative. Please help us bring Ukrainian children back home.

Thank you.