Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand says Canada’s ongoing work to secure the return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russian officials shows how Ottawa is trying to work with a range of countries to advance practical, humanitarian goals.
In an interview before a conference in Brussels, Anand stated Ottawa is focused on bringing these children home rather than debating whether Russia is committing genocide. “For me, the important question is, what are we doing here and now,” she said.
Ukraine and its allies believe Russia has effectively abducted 20,000 children; about 2,000 have returned. Yale University’s Humanitarian Research Lab estimates the number at 35,000. Russia rejects these claims and has at times suggested children were voluntarily evacuated.
Since 2023, Russian President Vladimir Putin and a senior official have been under ICC arrest warrants for unlawful deportation and transfer of children. Human rights groups report children are forcibly adopted, indoctrinated in Russian culture, and even militarily trained.
Canada co-launched an international coalition with Ukraine in 2024 to urge the return of these children, and is co-hosting this week’s summit in Brussels to assess progress. Qatar has acted as an intermediary between Moscow and Kyiv. The initiative has drawn support from countries beyond Europe, including Chile and Argentina.
Anand said this exemplifies her government’s “network diplomacy” approach-working with both close allies and newer partners. She will also meet with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte to discuss Arctic security, and with her Belgian counterpart to advance the seizure of Russian assets abroad to fund Ukraine’s war effort. After Brussels, Anand travels to Oman and Qatar to discuss regional issues and family reunification.