Norway will allocate over $2.6 million for the return of Ukrainian children and assistance to prisoners

Norway will provide 25 million Norwegian kroner — more than $2.6 million — for the search and return of illegally deported Ukrainian children. Part of the funding will also be directed to help prisoners of war, civilians in captivity and families who have lost contact with loved ones due to the war.

The Norwegian government announced the new funding package.

The funds are to help in the search for missing persons, the return of Ukrainians home, as well as the rehabilitation and reintegration of people affected by the war.

“Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine has led to serious violations of international humanitarian law and human rights,” said Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide.

Where will the money go

UNICEF will receive 15 million Norwegian kroner of the total amount. The funding will be directed to the search for missing Ukrainian children, as well as the reintegration of those who were able to return after deportation.

This amount is part of Norway’s larger contribution to UNICEF’s humanitarian program in Ukraine, totaling 132 million kroner.

Another 10 million kroner will be transferred to the Central Tracing Agency of the International Committee of the Red Cross.

The organization works, in particular, with the families of people who have disappeared, been captured, died or were forced to leave their homes and lose contact with loved ones due to the war.

The return of Ukrainian children remains an international issue

Norway is also co-organizing an international conference in Toronto dedicated to the illegal deportation of Ukrainian children, missing persons and other humanitarian consequences of the war.

Oslo continues to support Ukraine in other areas. These include defense, energy, protection of critical infrastructure and the financial sustainability of the state.

In particular, Norway previously announced a $200 million package for the purchase of Patriot missiles, and in 2026 the country is to allocate 1 billion Norwegian kroner to support Ukraine through the EU Ukraine Facility.