Ukrainian president holds talks in Qatar over bringing home kidnapped children from Russia
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky plans to discuss the return of kidnapped Ukrainian children during his visit to Qatar. The Middle Eastern country is aiding Ukraine in their efforts to bring back the abducted kids who were taken by Russia. Upon arrival in Qatar, Zelensky posted on the online platform X saying they'll be discussing these undertakings. Besides, they'll cover economic and security-related topics with Emir Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani.
The Ukrainian president also praised Qatar's involvement in organizing the forthcoming summit in Switzerland, where bringing back the abducted kids is a top priority. This peace conference is set to take place on June 15 and 16.
Ukrainian authorities claim that Russia has abducted over 19,000 Ukrainian children since the assault in February 2022. Although nearly 400 have been brought back, this still leaves thousands unaccounted for. The International Criminal Court at The Hague issued an arrest warrant for Russia's children's rights commissioner, Maria Lvova-Belova, in 2023, over the matter. Moscow disputes these claims, asserting that the children were taken from conflict zones for their safety.
Since July 2023, Qatar has aided in bringing back many of the children who were taken to Russia and regions under Russian occupation during the turmoil. Some lost their parents in the conflict, others got separated due to dynamically shifting battle lines, and some were residing in Ukrainian orphanages in territories occupied by Russia.
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During his meeting with Emir Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani in Qatar, President Zelensky discussed the pressing issue of returning the kidnapped Ukrainian children from Russia. Qatar has been instrumental in facilitating the return of these abducted children, providing crucial aid to Ukraine in their efforts. Despite Qatar's efforts, over 15,000 Ukrainian children remain unaccounted for, having been taken by Russia since the conflict began in February 2022.
