Moscow: Russia's children's rights commissioner, Maria Lvova-Belova, announced on Thursday that a humanitarian program has successfully reunited one child, with four others in the process of being reunited with their families in Russia, Ukraine, and Germany. The program aims to address the complex and sensitive issue of family separations due to the ongoing conflict.

According to Anadolu Agency, Lvova-Belova shared on Telegram that a 5-year-old boy had recently returned to Russia to be reunited with his mother after staying with his father in Ukraine since 2020. The reunion was made possible following the unfortunate passing of the child's father earlier this year.

The commissioner also revealed that four additional children are set to be reunited with their families. This group includes a 9-year-old girl who has been living with her grandmother in Russia since 2023 and will soon join her mother in Germany. The other three children have been residing with relatives in Russia after their parents or guardians either moved abroad or passed away.

"The situations are different for every family. Soon all the children will be reunited with their loved ones," Lvova-Belova stated, highlighting the individualized nature of each case. She emphasized that reunifications are conducted in response to requests from parents or close relatives, always prioritizing the children's best interests.

Lvova-Belova expressed gratitude towards US first lady Melania Trump for her "continued support for efforts to reunite children with their families," and acknowledged the role of the International Committee of the Red Cross in facilitating these reunions.

The children's rights commissioner's office has overseen the reunification of 31 children from 23 families in Russia, and 145 children from 118 families in Ukraine and other countries. Among these, 33 reunifications were supported by Trump.

The issue of child transfers between Russia and Ukraine remains a highly contentious humanitarian challenge. Moscow has defended its actions, stating it evacuates children from war zones for their safety and facilitates reunifications upon request. Conversely, Ukraine accuses Russia of unlawfully taking children.

Source: Anadolu Agency