President Volodymyr Zelensky has handed over a list of 400 Ukrainian children abducted by Russia to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, seeking South Africa’s assistance in facilitating their return.
Zelensky announced this during a joint press conference following their talks, as reported by Ukrinform.
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“Today, I handed over to President Ramaphosa a list of 400 Ukrainian children who are now in Russia against their will. Unfortunately, because of the war, we face a terrible problem: the Russians have abducted tens of thousands of children from the occupied territories in Ukraine. We must bring them all back, along with thousands of prisoners—both military and civilian—who have been held in Russian prisons for years under inhumane conditions,” Zelensky stated.
He emphasized South Africa’s role as a co-leader in the global coalition for the return of Ukrainian children and expressed hope that President Ramaphosa would actively support efforts to bring them home.
As Ukrinform reported, President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in South Africa. The program of the visit includes meetings with President Cyril Ramaphosa, representatives of political, civil society and student communities in Africa.
President Zelensky cut short his visit to South Africa due to Russia’s large-scale airstrike on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities.
Photo credit: President’s Office
Source: Zelensky hands over list of 400 Ukrainian children abducted by Russia to South African leader
