Montreal Summit Unites Over 45 Nations to Repatriate Ukrainian Children and Civilians from Russia

In Montreal, over 45 nations committed to returning Ukrainians taken by Russia since the invasion. Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly announced that these countries will work together to gather information on Ukrainians in Russia and create safe return routes. "Human lives must be protected. Children, civilians and prisoners of war must be allowed to return home," she stated at the summit's conclusion.

Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Minister Andrii Sybiha reported nearly 42,000 Ukrainians missing and almost 20,000 children deported to Russia. So far, 860 Ukrainian children have been returned. The joint declaration aims to coordinate efforts to find missing Ukrainians. Qatar, South Africa, and the Holy See will mediate negotiations for returning prisoners of war, civilians, and children.

International Cooperation and Challenges

Lithuania and Qatar will serve as transit countries for released Ukrainians. The list of over 70 countries attending the Montreal summit was not disclosed, and it remains unclear which nations signed the pledge by Thursday evening. Notably absent were China, India, and Brazil, while Mexico and South Africa participated in the conference.

Joly mentioned that many countries faced "direct pressure from Russia" to skip the summit. "Russia made many representations in many capitals of the world saying that they should not come to Montreal," she explained. This highlights how their actions are spotlighting an issue that embarrasses Russia.

Legal Actions Against Russian Officials

The International Criminal Court (ICC) previously issued arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin and his children's rights commissioner, Maria Lvova-Belova. They are accused of war crimes related to the unlawful deportation and transfer of children from occupied Ukraine to Russia. Moscow has denied these allegations.

The commitment by these nations marks a significant step towards addressing the humanitarian crisis caused by the conflict in Ukraine. By working together, they aim to ensure the safe return of those affected and hold accountable those responsible for violations of international law.