Romanian president vows to bring back every stolen Ukrainian child

During a videoconference of the Coalition of the Willing and the European Council, Nicușor Dan stated that Romania will contribute to providing reliable security guarantees for Ukraine, to be implemented through close cooperation between Europe and the US. In his view, this is an investment in the security of all of Europe, not just Ukraine.

The Romanian president also emphasized that the participation of US President Donald Trump in a peace agreement for Ukraine is necessary, while Europe’s role is equally critical.

“Transatlantic coordination remains our strongest asset to deter Russia’s aggression,” he said.

Nicușor Dan is convinced that sanctions against Russia should remain in force and be strengthened until peace is achieved.

“A peaceful Ukraine also strengthens Romania’s security and benefits our neighbor, R. Moldova,” he added.

Additionally, the president noted that Romania will continue to support efforts to help Ukraine recover all kidnapped children.

Deportation of Ukrainian children

Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, over 19,500 Ukrainian children have been forcibly taken from Ukraine, according to Dmytro Lubinets, the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights. Only about 1,000 children have been successfully returned home so far, and efforts continue.

On March 17, 2023, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russian ombudswoman Maria Lvova-Belova. The charges relate to the illegal deportation and transfer of Ukrainian children from occupied Ukrainian territories to Russia.

In April 2025, the Verkhovna Rada (Ukrainian parliament) approved in the first reading a bill establishing liability for the illegal transfer of children and their use for military purposes by representatives of a foreign state.