Minister Anand to travel to Brussels for the High-Level Meeting of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children
News release
May 10, 2026 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada
The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that she will travel to Brussels, Belgium, where she will co-chair the High-Level Meeting of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children on May 11.
The coalition, which comprises 49 members, including states and international organizations, supports the safe return and reintegration of Ukrainian children unlawfully deported or forcibly transferred by Russia. Minister Anand will co-chair the meeting alongside Kaja Kallas, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission; Marta Kos, European Commissioner for Enlargement; and Andrii Sybiha, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.
The high-level meeting will advance international efforts to strengthen coordination within the coalition and support Ukraine’s work to trace, return and reintegrate affected Ukrainian children. Discussions will also focus on ensuring accountability for these violations, including Russia’s systematic efforts to conceal the identities and whereabouts of children, and the long-term rehabilitation and reintegration support that children and families need following their return.
While in Brussels, Minister Anand will also meet with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, as well as senior officials from the European Union and Ukraine, to discuss shared security priorities and ongoing support for Ukraine. The Minister will also deliver remarks at the European Union Foreign Affairs Council.
Quick facts
-
In the context of its war of aggression against Ukraine, the Russian government has unlawfully deported Ukrainian children to its territory and forcibly transferred others within the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, as documented by international bodies, including the International Criminal Court. Thousands of these children remain separated from their families and communities.
-
As co-chair of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, Canada is working closely with Ukraine, partner states and organizations to address Russia’s unlawful deportation and forced transfer of Ukrainian children. Ukraine reports that approximately 2,100 children have been successfully returned, but thousands more are estimated to remain in Russia and in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine.
-
The return of children is not the end of the journey. Canada has invested in tracing, returns, rehabilitating and reintegrating Ukrainian children through several projects, including with partners such as Hala Systems, UNICEF and a multi-donor initiative uniting Canada, Estonia, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
Associated links
Contacts
Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
media@international.gc.ca
Follow us on X: @CanadaFP
Like us on Facebook: Canada’s foreign policy - Global Affairs Canada