A number of countries at Montreal conference join work to return prisoners, including journalists

At the conference on the human dimension of the Ukrainian peace formula, which took place in Montreal, Canada, the countries participating in the conference undertook to return all captured and deported Ukrainians. Their statement about this was published on the website of the President of Ukraine.

“One of the most important points is the search for trusted intermediary countries for negotiations with the russian federation regarding the return of Ukrainian military personnel, civilians, and children home. Also, with the help of intermediaries, it is proposed to create mechanisms that will enable Ukrainians in russia to receive consular services,” the statement reads.

As noted, Qatar, the Vatican, and South Africa will mediate in the negotiations regarding the return of Ukrainian children kidnapped by the russians. Lithuania and Qatar will be transit countries for their return. The UAE will serve as a mediator in the negotiations on the exchange of prisoners of war.

In the future, it is planned to form a group of countries that will cooperate with Ukraine to find information about captured Ukrainians, including children, women, and journalists. It will provide support in data collection and verification.

In addition, the participants of the conference also undertook to provide support to Ukraine in the reintegration of returnees. Countries will also spread information about the harsh treatment of Ukrainian civilians and prisoners of war by the russian federation. It is also about deportation and forced transfer of children.

In general, the conference participants agreed to strengthen Ukraine’s cooperation with partners and international organizations to resolve humanitarian issues and ensure compliance with the Geneva Conventions. Ukraine offered partner states to take patronage over Ukrainian civilians illegally detained by russia. Also, these countries can facilitate the establishment of contacts with prisoners and achieve their release.

As the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Norway Espen Barth Eide emphasized, it is important that representatives of international humanitarian organizations have access to Ukrainian prisoners of war and participate in the return of deported children. “We must show our determination in this work. This will be a great contribution to the implementation of the ten points of the Peace Formula,” Eide said.

As earlier reported, the conference in Montreal was the last thematic meeting based on individual points of the Peace Formula – it was attended by more than 70 states and international organizations. In total, nine such conferences were held from August to November 2024, after each of which a joint communiqué was adopted. On the basis of these developments, work began on the formation of proposals for the second peace summit.

NUJU Information Service