Zelensky, Sampietro discuss return of Ukrainian children

According to the presidential website, Zelensky thanked him for the visit and for the Assembly’s continued support of Ukraine during Russia’s full-scale invasion.

One of the most important topics of the meeting was the return of Ukrainian children abducted and illegally deported by Russia.

“We would be happy if you could focus, Mr. President, on the topic of our abducted Ukrainian children. This is a priority for us, because it is a big challenge for me, first of all, and for our diplomatic group of Ukraine. Because we can exchange our warriors or even sometimes prisoners of other categories. But we cannot exchange children with the Russians, and it’s understandable why. That is why we need to bring them back to their families, to their relatives. And the voice of the OSCE and of its parliamentarians is very important,” Zelensky said.

He proposed appointing a special envoy under the OSCE PA President to focus specifically on the return of Ukrainian children. Zelensky also announced that preparations are underway for a UN General Assembly resolution condemning the abduction and deportation of Ukrainian children, and he called on Sampietro to support the document.

Sampietro noted that the Assembly would join the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children.

The two also discussed joint efforts to secure the release of prisoners of war and civilians unlawfully held by Russia.

In addition, Sampietro emphasized the importance of maintaining pressure on Russia.

“We are more than 300 parliamentarians, more than 55 parliaments, where you have a voice – a united voice. This voice, of course, is not about bombs or military supplies. But we can support political sanctions, economic sanctions, and, of course, military support,” he said.

Sampietro also announced that he will take part in the fourth Parliamentary Summit of the International Crimea Platform, scheduled for November in Stockholm.

Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine