At the Restoring Childhood and Humanity conference in New York, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen delivered a powerful address centered on the plight of Ukrainian children taken to Russia amid the ongoing war. The event, held on September 23, 2025, coincided with the United Nations General Assembly and focused on advancing peace by prioritizing the safe return of these children.
Von der Leyen opened her remarks by reminding the audience that the crisis is not about numbers, but about individual lives. “Tens of thousands of boys and girls are trapped in Russia. They are not statistics. Each and every one is a child,” she said, stressing that behind every abduction lies a family in torment.
To support Ukraine, von der Leyen announced that the European Union will make available €200 million to fund school meals for children at home, highlighting how crucial basic needs are in times of war. She also emphasized the importance of healing and reintegration for those who do return. Through a €10 million partnership with UNICEF, the EU will help ensure that children coming back to Ukraine are welcomed, supported, and given the tools to dream again.
Justice, von der Leyen noted, is central to the response. She pointed out that the EU is funding Ukraine’s prosecutor’s office to hold perpetrators accountable, and has already sanctioned more than 50 individuals linked to the abductions, with more sanctions expected.
The Commission President underscored that this challenge is not Ukraine’s alone, but one requiring global resolve. To that end, the European Union will join the international coalition for the return of Ukrainian children. She also announced that the EU will host a high-level summit dedicated to keeping the issue at the top of the global agenda.
Von der Leyen closed with a simple but firm pledge: “We will not rest until Ukraine’s children are home.” Her remarks placed the human cost of war—particularly on children—at the center of international discussions, urging the world to match compassion with concrete action.
Source: European Commission
