India and South Africa can play a key role in facilitating the return of illegally deported Ukrainian children and establishing a just and lasting peace. This statement was made by the Head of the Office of the President, Andriy Yermak, during an online discussion with representatives of South African and Indian media.
Andriy Yermak emphasized that India and South Africa have actively participated in meetings concerning the implementation of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's Peace Formula. He also highlighted the significance of the visits to Ukraine by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, noting that both leaders were able to witness firsthand the consequences of the war.
“Your countries’ involvement in the global peace process and all efforts that help end Russia’s war against Ukraine and restore a just peace for our nation are incredibly important,” said the Head of the Office of the President.
Andriy Yermak stressed that Russia speaks only the language of ultimatums, and the Russian dictator is intent on continuing his aggression. Therefore, Ukraine needs as much support from its partners as possible to compel Russia to agree to a just peace.
“We all want to live in a safe world, where it would be impossible to deport thousands of Ukrainian children, create filtration camps in the 21st century, or attack a children's hospital in the center of Kyiv. But this is all happening in our country. Today, Putin and Russia want to fight against us. Unfortunately, we see no sign that Putin wants to stop this war. He wants to destroy Ukraine,” the Head of the President's Office noted.
According to Andriy Yermak, South Africa has already expressed its willingness to mediate the return of Ukrainian children, and India could join such a coalition of states. He called on both countries to contribute to the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, emphasizing that such a step would demonstrate their leadership in addressing global humanitarian crises.
