Ukraine Asks Pope to Mediate the Return of Children Forcibly Transferred to Russia

The Ukrainian government has formally requested the Vatican's mediation for the return of Ukrainian children suffering from Russia's illegal forced displacement. President Zelenskyy sent a letter to Pope Francis requesting his mediation role ahead of their meeting on November 21, 2025. The letter requests the formalization of the Vatican's unofficial mediation efforts and support for the safe return of Ukrainian children forcibly transferred to Russia.

Pope Francis has been working to promote dialogue between Ukraine and Russia by dispatching a specially appointed envoy to mediate peace between the two countries, and has made various efforts to support prisoner exchanges and the repatriation of detained Ukrainian children. Iryna Vereshchuk, Deputy Head of the Presidential Office, met with Vatican officials in Rome to request mediation for the repatriation of Ukrainian civilians.

Deputy Head Vereshchuk emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating that thousands of children have been illegally transferred from Ukraine to Russian territory, pointing out that this is not just a political issue but a serious humanitarian one. The Ukrainian government has defined Russia's actions as a violation of international law and is working to ensure the prompt return of forcibly displaced children through the support of the international community.

President Zelenskyy criticized that "Russia is kidnapping Ukrainian children, adopting them into Russian families, and trying to erase Ukrainian culture and identity," and emphasized the active role of the Vatican. The Vatican is carefully reviewing the Ukrainian government's request and is expected to seek ways to resolve the issue through dialogue with relevant parties.

The Ukrainian government plans to continue working with international organizations to identify the exact number of Ukrainian children detained in Russia and to protect their safety and rights. Russia argues that it is "protecting Ukrainian children from a humanitarian perspective and prioritizing their safety and well-being," in response to international criticism of the forced displacement of Ukrainian children.

However, the Ukrainian government and international human rights organizations refute Russia's claims, criticizing the forced displacement as a clear war crime and a violation of international law. The Ukrainian government stated that it will make every effort to support the reunification of Ukrainian children detained in Russia with their families and to help them overcome the trauma of war through the Vatican's mediation.