During a meeting in Kyiv, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy proposed to Pere Joan Pons Sampietro, the President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, the appointment of a special envoy to expedite the return of Ukrainian children. The initiative comes amid ongoing concerns about the safety and whereabouts of children who have been missing in Russia and occupied territories, particularly in areas such as Crimea and the Donbas region. Zelenskyy stated that the appointment of a dedicated envoy would enhance diplomatic efforts to secure the repatriation of these children, ensuring their safe return and the resolution of their legal and familial status.
The proposal was framed as a critical step in the broader context of humanitarian aid and international diplomacy, with Zelens. The OSCE PA President expressed support for the initiative, acknowledging the importance of addressing the plight of Ukrainian children and the need for continued cooperation between Ukraine and international organizations. The envoy would be expected to work closely with both Ukrainian authorities and international partners to facilitate the process, potentially involving negotiations with Russian officials and the coordination of legal procedures for the children’s return.
The move reflects Ukraine’s ongoing efforts to garner international support and leverage diplomatic channels to resolve the crisis. Zelenskyy’s proposal aligns with the OSCE’s mandate to promote peaceful conflict resolution and human rights protection. While the details of the envoy’s mandate and appointment process have not yet been finalized, the initiative highlights the urgency of the situation and the determination of Ukrainian leadership to secure the safe return of its children. The OSCE PA President has pledged to work with relevant committees and member states to expedite the process, emphasizing the importance of a coordinated international response to this humanitarian issue.