The First Round of the Istanbul Talks Took Place

Ukraine Officially Handed Russia a List of Deported Children

On June 2, 2025, during the negotiations in Istanbul, mediated by Türkiye, the Ukrainian delegation handed the Russian side a list of several hundred Ukrainian children who had been deported to Russia, forcibly transferred within the temporarily occupied territories, or who remain illegally held there.

During the meeting between Ukraine and the United States in Jeddah on March 11, 2025, the Ukrainian side confirmed its readiness to implement a 30-day ceasefire, including its humanitarian component. The return of Ukrainian children is an integral part of this package as a confidence-building measure.

If Russia is genuinely committed to peace, it must demonstrate this not through words, but through concrete humanitarian actions. Returning at least some of the children on the list would be a first step.

Now Ukraine is awaiting a response.

Integrity is not declared — it is demonstrated through actions.