Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Irina Vereshchuk has formally addressed the Russian Human Rights Ombudsman Tatiana Moskalkova and the Children’s Ombudsman Maria Lvova-Belova with a specific request. The appeal focuses on the transfer of lists that document Ukrainian orphans now located in the newly integrated regions of the Russian Federation. The request is presented as a straightforward humanitarian step, aiming to establish a transparent, verifiable channel for information exchange between the two sides in a situation that has drawn intense international attention. The communication includes an explicit proposal to make the lists available to Ukrainian authorities as quickly as possible, reflecting a sense of urgency and responsibility toward the welfare of children who, by nationality and current residence, are connected to Ukraine.
The initiative signals a broader effort to address the fate and legal status of minors who were separated from their families during the upheavals that affected eastern Ukraine and the subsequent political and territorial changes. Vereshchuk emphasizes that the requested material would help Ukraine verify identities, confirm citizenship status, and determine appropriate protective measures for the children who are under Ukrainian guardianship or have Ukrainian parentage, while they are presently in Russia. The aim is to ensure prompt, compassionate action that honors the rights and best interests of the youngsters involved, with a focus on safeguarding their future prospects and family connections where possible.
In addition to the orphan lists, Vereshchuk requested the transfer of records pertaining to all children without parental care who are currently in Russia. The intent behind this broader data request is to create a complete, accurate account of vulnerable minors who may require coordinated protective services, reunification efforts, or other forms of international assistance. The deputy prime minister’s approach reflects a belief that maintaining clear, direct communication channels between the two governments is essential for upholding international child protection standards and for facilitating timely reunifications when feasible.
Vereshchuk clarified that the scope of the request targets children who were Ukrainian citizens as of February 24, 2022, who are under 18 and presently residing in Russia. This clarification serves to align the information exchange with the legal and administrative frameworks that govern citizenship, guardianship, and protective custody, ensuring that the data shared can be accurately used to assess each child’s situation in light of both countries’ legal systems. The emphasis remains on safeguarding the rights of these youths, prioritizing their safety, stability, and opportunities for stable family connections wherever possible.
There is also reference to prior statements from Maria Lvova-Belova, the Children’s Ombudsman, indicating that certain children from Mariupol—those who have legal representatives or relatives—have already been reunited with their families. This aspect of the discussion highlights a practical dimension: where family ties can be confirmed and maintained, reunification efforts have commenced and are ongoing. The exchange underlines the importance of verifying guardianship arrangements, ensuring that children have secure, legally recognized custodians, and recognizing the unique challenges faced by families dispersed across borders due to the conflict and its aftermath. The dialogue points toward continued collaboration aimed at expanding reunifications, reinforcing protective oversight, and facilitating the accurate relocation of minors who remain within international jurisdictions.
In summary, the Ukrainian government’s request centers on the rapid sharing of orphan lists and records of children without parental care with Ukrainian authorities. The objective is to establish a reliable information flow that supports proper identification, citizenship verification, and protective arrangements for Ukrainian youths currently in Russia. By engaging Moscow’s human-rights and child-protection offices directly, Kyiv seeks to lay a foundation for swift, humane action that respects international norms on child protection, family unity, and cross-border cooperation. The broader context underscores ongoing efforts to monitor and respond to the evolving needs of vulnerable minors amid the broader regional developments, with a consistent focus on safeguarding their rights and futures.