PR Army organized a delegation to the US to advocate for the deported Ukrainian children

PR Army, with the support of BlueCheck Ukraine, Builders Ukraine and Next Level Initiatives, organized an advocacy visit to the United States with Ilya, Kira and Sasha, the Ukrainian children who were forcibly deported to Russia and later returned to Ukraine. The goal of the trip was to amplify the voice of the illegally deported Ukrainian children in the US and to intensify the US-Ukraine cooperation in facilitating the safe and fast return of the kidnapped children. Ms. Daria Herasymchyk, Advisor to the President of Ukraine on Children's Rights and Rehabilitation, was invited by the PR Army to be part of the delegation

These courageous young voices shared their powerful stories, drawing global attention to the devastating impact of forced deportations. Ms. Daria Herasymchyk, Advisor to the President of Ukraine on Children’s Rights and Rehabilitation, was invited by PR Army as a part of the delegation. 

During the visit, personal accounts and testimonies from the kidnapped children were presented at the UN Security Council in New York. Among the participants were the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine and Canada, Dmytro Kuleba and Mélanie Joly and BlueCheck Ukraine co-founder and Builders Ukraine co-chair Liev Schreiber.

The children also had the opportunity to visit the White House to meet with representatives of the American government.

Later, children visited the White House to meet with the American government representatives.

Pic: Gina LeVay Photography/Builders Ukraine‍

"As a result of our cooperation with Builders Ukraine, the UN, for the first time, heard testimonies from children who have experienced deportation. Their bravery when they recounted the horrors of their abduction moved many to tears, including translators and diplomats from various countries. The stories of these children underscore the urgent need for international pressure on Russia and concrete steps to return deported minors to Ukraine. However, overall repatriation is currently impossible until Ukraine achieves complete victory on the battlefield and effective steps are taken by the UN in the legal field," said Khrystyna Shkudor, advocacy manager of PR Army.

One of the mission's most significant outcomes was the United States' decision to join the Coalition for the Returning of Ukrainian Kids. This landmark commitment unites global stakeholders to tackle this humanitarian crisis, emphasizing the importance of international solidarity.

PR Army is honored to have contributed to this pivotal step forward, underscoring the power of collaborative advocacy in safeguarding the rights and futures of vulnerable children. Together, we continue to work toward justice, awareness, and the safe return of every deported Ukrainian child.

Pic: Gina LeVay Photography/Builders Ukraine