The United States announced that it will provide $25 million in an effort to reunite Ukrainian children with their families after they were forcibly relocated to Russian areas.
“In coordination with Congress, the Department of State is providing $25 million in new assistance to support the identification, return, and rehabilitation of Ukrainian children and youth who have been forcibly transferred or otherwise held away from their families and communities,” the State Department said in a media note.
The U.S. funding will support two programs: tracking the children and supporting local partners to provide care for the recovering children.
“President Trump has made clear that tragic bloodshed in Ukraine must stop, and his Administration remains fully committed to securing a lasting peace,” the statement added. “Dozens of U.S. funded assistance programs continue to provide critical life-saving assistance for civilians affected by the violence — including these children, who are among the most vulnerable victims of this brutal and senseless war, which never would have started had President Trump been in office.”
According to the Ukrainian initiative Bring Kids Back UA, more than 2,000 children have already been returned to their families. More than 20,000 other cases are being processed.
The effort aligns with First Lady Melania Trump’s goals to reunite Ukrainian children.
“I appreciate that Russia and Ukraine are dedicated to bringing back the children who have been displaced because of the circumstances surrounding this conflict,” she said in a February statement. “Although all parties are cooperating and our communications remain robust, I urge Russia and Ukraine to intensify their efforts to ensure the safe return of every child to their families and guardians.”
