Sanctions against Russia for abducting Ukrainian children should be strengthened — Zelensky

The President recalled the ICC arrest warrant for Putin and called on the world not to ease pressure on Russia

The President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky called on the international community to increase pressure on Russia over the mass abduction of Ukrainian children and stressed that crimes against children must receive a tough international response. The head of state stated this during an appeal to the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children.

“This is a global matter”

Zelensky recalled that the International Criminal Court has already issued arrest warrants for the head of the Kremlin, Vladimir Putin, and the Russian Commissioner for Children’s Rights, Maria Lvova-Belova, over the illegal deportation of Ukrainian children.

“This is a global matter, and there must be global consequences for this. Everyone who commits crimes against children must truly feel that this is wrong,” the President of Ukraine emphasized.

The coalition has already united almost 50 countries

According to Zelensky, almost 50 states have already joined the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, including European countries, the USA, Canada, Argentina and Japan. Switzerland and Cyprus have also officially joined.

The President thanked international partners for their support and assistance in returning children home.

“Almost every month we see results. Children are returning home. But there are many more who still need to be returned,” the head of state noted.

Zelensky announced new sanctions

The President said that Ukraine and its partners continue to impose sanctions against persons involved in the abduction of children and attempts to legalize these crimes.

“And the pressure on Russia cannot be relaxed. Sanctions are working. And the world has power. Please use it correctly,” Zelensky said.