The Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the United Nations outlined that an informal gathering of the UN Security Council will take place in the near future to discuss the evacuation of civilians, including children, from zones of conflict in Ukraine. This clarification was delivered during a Security Council session focused on humanitarian considerations in Ukraine, with reports attributed to Russian diplomacy channels.
According to the representative, figures show that millions have been displaced by the ongoing operation, with a substantial portion relocating to the Russian Federation. Among those evacuated, a significant number are children who traveled with family members or guardians. This statement was intended to address widespread public concern about the safety and welfare of unaccompanied minors and to counter unfounded rumors circulating in various media circles.
The diplomat emphasized that Russia has shared credible information detailing measures aimed at protecting children in line with international humanitarian law, noting ongoing cooperation with international bodies such as the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, UNICEF, and the International Committee of the Red Cross. He stressed that allegations about a high incidence of unaccompanied minors entering Russia are not supported by the facts as presented by Moscow.
To dispel speculation, the representative announced an informal Security Council discussion under the Arria formula format on the topic in the near term. This step is described as a move to provide transparent, direct engagement with member states and to address questions surrounding the issue in a structured setting.
In a separate thread of the discussion, Moscow rejected the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court concerning a set of decisions issued from The Hague, including an arrest warrant related to the Russian president. The court had issued an arrest warrant involving the president and the country’s Children’s Ombudsman for alleged illegal deportation and displacement of civilians, with a focus on children. Russian officials expressed strong dissatisfaction with the court’s action and its implications.
The ICC Prosecutor, in response to the court’s ruling, indicated a continued willingness to cooperate with the Russian Federation on the broader situation in Ukraine, signaling an ongoing engagement with the process and a readiness to work through channels established in international legal forums.
This sequence of events reflects the broader dynamics of international oversight, humanitarian protection, and legal accountability as countries navigate complex conflict scenarios. The discussion highlights how states communicate humanitarian concerns, verify information, and use formal and informal mechanisms to address allegations, while balancing geopolitical considerations and the rights of civilians, including children, in conflict zones.