Andriy Melnyk, Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the UN, called on UNICEF to play a key role in the return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia during a meeting of the UNICEF Executive Board on February 10. He called this issue one of the most pressing humanitarian challenges for the entire UN system.
This was reported by the Permanent Representation of Ukraine to the UN, citing a statement by the Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the UN during an interactive dialogue with UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell.
“Ukraine highly appreciates the fruitful cooperation with UNICEF and the Fund’s contribution to overcoming the severe humanitarian consequences of Russia’s full-scale military invasion, which affected millions of Ukrainian children who suffered in this barbaric war…”, Melnyk said.
According to the ambassador, Ukraine highly appreciates UNICEF's activities in the context of a full-scale war. In particular, funding for the Fund's programs in Ukraine since February 2022 has exceeded two billion dollars.
At the same time, he expressed concern that significant financial difficulties could jeopardize UNICEF's activities. Therefore, on behalf of Ukraine, he appealed to Member States and all donors to increase their contributions.
He also recalled the UN General Assembly resolution adopted in December 2025, which requires the immediate return of all Ukrainian children and tasks the UN Secretary-General with ensuring the coordination of the efforts of all United Nations institutions.
“The Assembly instructed the Secretary-General to use his good offices to actively pursue this issue and to take all necessary measures to ensure effective coordination among relevant UN bodies in the implementation of this important resolution. Ukraine is fully aware of the political difficulties in implementing this mandate. We know that previous attempts by UNICEF to mediate were rejected by Russia. Now we have a new historic chance,” the statement said.
Concluding his speech, Andriy Melnyk suggested that UNICEF management and members of the Executive Board hold a special briefing on specific practical steps that the Fund could take to return Ukrainian children and ensure their safe reintegration.
In response, Catherine Russell confirmed UNICEF’s readiness to facilitate the return of Ukrainian children to their homeland. According to her, the organization has already provided practical assistance to more than 1,800 children after their release.
“We are ready to work more closely on this fundamental task,” she concluded.
Photo: the Permanent Mission of Ukraine to the UN
Author: Inna Mikhno