KYIV: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on Chinese leader Xi Jinping to assist in bringing back Ukrainian children who have been deported to Russia.
During a press conference on Friday, Zelensky emphasized the need to involve international partners to put pressure on Russia and the “terrorists” who have kidnapped Ukrainian children.
The Ukrainian president made the appeal after speaking with Xi by phone on Wednesday, which was the first known call between the two leaders since the start of Russia’s invasion.
Although Beijing has declared neutrality in the Ukraine conflict, Xi has never condemned the Russian invasion. During a visit to Russia in March, Xi presented himself as a mediator concerned with maintaining stability.
Zelensky’s efforts to secure return of Ukrainian children
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin is under an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court over the “unlawful deportation” of Ukrainian children.
According to Kyiv, more than 16,000 Ukrainian children have been deported to Russia since the invasion began on February 24, 2022.
Ukrainian authorities claim that many of these children have been placed in institutions and foster homes, an allegation that Russia denies. Moscow insists that it has saved Ukrainian children from the horrors of the war.
The situation of the deported Ukrainian children has gained international attention, with the United Nations and other organizations expressing concern about their welfare.
Zelensky’s request to Xi for assistance in bringing back the children reflects the Ukrainian government’s efforts to secure the return of its citizens who have been affected by the conflict.
