Canada seeks global backing to repatriate Ukrainian children deported to Russia

Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly is seeking global support to return Ukrainian children deported to Russia since the war began. She addressed over 60 delegations at a conference in Montreal, urging strong commitments for their repatriation. The Ukrainian government estimates that 19,500 children have been deported, with only 998 returned so far. Finding these children is difficult due to name changes and other challenges. Andriy Yermak, a Ukrainian official, stated that Russia's actions aim to erase Ukrainian identity. Canada is co-chairing a working group focused on the release of prisoners and civilians, as part of a peace plan proposed by Ukraine.