Anita Anand said the new funds will support civil society groups helping returned children and families, bringing Canada’s total to $7 million.
On Monday, Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand announced $863,000 in new funding for civil society groups aiding returned Ukrainian children, bringing Canada's total support to $7 million.
Ukrainian authorities cite over 20,651 records of unlawful deportations or transfers, with 2,573 children returned so far. Survivors like 18-year-old Dariia Tomashova described being forced into "indoctrination camp" settings where children were trained as Russian soldiers.
Save Ukraine co-founder Mykola Kuleba stated rescue missions face profound challenges: "Their rescue only begins when they're coming back from Russian trap." The coalition uses Canadian funds to provide 24-7 support for survivors of physical and sexual violence.
While dozens of nations sent representatives to the Toronto talks, flags of several major G20 countries were absent, including Brazil, China, and India. Anand emphasized that complex diplomacy and indirect engagement with Russia remain essential for securing releases.
Since March 2023, the International Criminal Court has maintained arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin over unlawful child transfers. Kuleba called for sustained pressure and sanctions, emphasizing these efforts underscore a systematic attempt to separate children from Ukraine.
The amount pledged by the country will be used to support Ukrainians who were in Russian captivity and occupation and reported to the Canadian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.