Slovakia joins coalition for return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia

Slovakia is joining the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children.

Marek Eštok, Slovak State Secretary for EU Affairs, said that he met with the ambassadors of Ukraine and Canada on 2 November to formally hand over a diplomatic note confirming Slovakia's accession to the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children.

"By joining, Slovakia is contributing to international efforts to ensure the safe return of Ukrainian children who have been unlawfully deported or forcibly transferred during the war," he wrote on X.

Eštok stressed that his country's support for Ukrainian children extends beyond this initiative.

"Slovakia has helped renovate school shelters in Ukraine, organised stays in Slovakia for children of Ukrainian emergency workers and police officers, and welcomed thousands of Ukrainian children into our education system. Our shared goal is to see these children safely reunited with their families and back home," he added.

In late September, it was reported that Norway was increasing its financial support for humanitarian efforts concerning Ukrainian children abducted by Russia, civilians deprived of their liberty and prisoners of war, announcing a new contribution of NOK 25 million (€2.3 million).

On 28 September, the Council of the European Union sanctioned another 10 individuals and 17 entities for their involvement in the illegal transfer of Ukrainian children to Russia and within Russian-occupied territories.