Ukraine returns 13 children from Russia, occupied territories
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Ukrainian children dancing to make a clip to mark the upcoming International Day for Protection of Children.
PHOTO: EPA-EFE
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KYIV – A total of 13 Ukrainian children returned on May 23 to their homeland from Russia and Moscow-occupied territories of Ukraine with the cooperation of Qatar, officials in Kyiv said.
“The children have already been met in their homeland,” Mr Andriy Yermak, the President’s chief of staff, said on Telegram.
Moscow handed over six children, aged between six and 17, Russia’s Tass news agency reported on May 22.
Ukraine’s human rights commissioner Dmytro Lubinets added that seven children had been brought back from Russian-occupied territories.
Kyiv says about 20,000 children have been taken from Ukraine to Russia
The International Criminal Court issued warrants for the arrest of President Vladimir Putin and children’s ombudsman Maria Lvova-Belova on war crimes charges related to the abduction of Ukrainian children. The Kremlin rejects the allegations.
Qatar agreed to a Ukrainian request to mediate with Russia on the return of children in July 2023 and the first return took place in October. REUTERS
