Skopje, 11 May 2026 (MIA) — As part of his working visit to Brussels, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Timcho Mucunski addressed Monday the High-Level Meeting of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, which was held on the sidelines of the Foreign Affairs Council.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade in a press release, Mucunski in his address reaffirmed the state's support for Ukraine, its sovereignty and territorial integrity. He stressed that Ukraine has been facing unprovoked and unjustified aggression by the Russian Federation for over three years in a clear violation of the UN Charter and international law.

In addition to the geopolitical consequences, the war has caused enormous human suffering, he said, pointing to the fate of deported Ukrainian children.

"We call for the immediate return of all Ukrainian children who were forcibly taken away. Their deportation is a serious violation of international law and a direct violation of their human rights," Mucunski said.

On the future reconstruction of Ukraine, the foreign minister said rebuilding the country required not only the reconstruction of infrastructure but also restoring trust and hope.

"History will not judge us only by the statements we make, but also by the humanity we show. Our duty today is to help the children of Ukraine feel safe again, to trust again and to build their future in a free, peaceful and sovereign Ukraine," Mucunski said. mr/