Return of Ukrainian Children Abducted by Russia and Importance of Pressuring the Russian Federation: Volodymyr Zelenskyy Met with President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly

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President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with the President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, Pere Joan Pons Sampietro.

The Head of State thanked him for the visit and highlighted the Assembly's support for Ukraine during the full-scale Russian invasion.

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"We would be happy if you could focus, Mr. President, on the topic of our abducted Ukrainian children. This is a priority for us, because it is a big challenge for me, first of all, and for our diplomatic group of Ukraine. Because we can exchange our warriors or even sometimes prisoners of other categories. But we cannot exchange children with the Russians, and it's understandable why. That is why we need to bring them back to their families, to their relatives. And the voice of the OSCE and of its parliamentarians is very important," the Head of State said.

He proposed appointing a special envoy under the OSCE PA President to focus specifically on the return of Ukrainian children. Volodymyr Zelenskyy also announced that preparations are underway for a UN General Assembly resolution condemning the abduction and deportation of Ukrainian children, and he called on the President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly to support it.

Pere Joan Pons Sampietro noted that the Assembly will join the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children.

The meeting also addressed joint efforts to secure the release of prisoners of war and civilians illegally held by Russia.

In addition, the President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly emphasized the importance of maintaining pressure on Russia.

"We are more than 300 parliamentarians, more than 55 parliaments, where you have a voice - a united voice. This voice, of course, is not about bombs or military supplies. But we can support political sanctions, economic sanctions, and, of course, military support," he said.

Pere Joan Pons Sampietro also announced that he will participate in the Fourth Parliamentary Summit of the International Crimea Platform, which will be held in November in Stockholm.