Thordis Gylfadottir, the Council of Europe envoy responsible for human rights and international cooperation, emphasized the urgent need for sustained support in locating and repatriating abducted Ukrainian children. During an interview with Politico, she stated that the Trump administration’s policies are creating significant challenges for these efforts, leaving European nations to shoulder the financial burden. Gylfadottir warned that without adequate funding, the process of tracking and reuniting these children will be compromised, resulting in repeated efforts and potential long-term consequences for the affected families.
The envoy’s remarks come amid growing international pressure on the United States to take a more active role in addressing the humanitarian crisis caused by the war in Ukraine. The Council of Europe, which represents 47 European countries, has been vocal in its criticism of the Trump administration’s approach, arguing that the U.S. should provide more resources to support these critical operations. Gylfadottir pointed out that the lack of financial backing from the U.S. is not only hampering progress but also putting additional pressure on European states, which are already facing economic challenges due to the ongoing crisis.
European countries are now being called upon to take a more significant role in funding the tracking initiatives, with Gylfadottir stressing that this is a necessary step to ensure the long-term success of the efforts. The envoy also highlighted the importance of maintaining consistency in tracking procedures to avoid the risk of losing sight of the children, which could have devastating consequences for their safety and well-being. As the situation continues to evolve, there are increasing calls for a coordinated international response to address the crisis and provide the necessary support for the affected families.