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Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna: Violence against Ukrainian children is a strategic weapon of Russia

Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

17.10.2025 | 14:15

On 17 October, Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna opened the meeting of the Parliamentary Network of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), held at the Riigikogu and focused on the situation of Ukrainian children. The discussion aimed to identify practical solutions to help Ukrainian children recover physically and mentally from the impact of Russia's military aggression.

In his opening remarks, Minister Tsahkna emphasised that Ukrainian children are among the greatest victims of Russia's aggression. "As a result of Russia's military actions, thousands of children have lost their parents, homes, and sense of security," said Tsahkna. "Tens of thousands of children have been deported to Russia, where they are subjected to propaganda designed to sever their ties with their homeland and destroy their Ukrainian identity."

The minister stressed that recovery from war trauma requires more than medical assistance — concrete steps must be taken to restore children's sense of safety. "The international community must collectively and unequivocally condemn all crimes committed by Russia, and all perpetrators must be held accountable," Tsahkna stated. "Every child must have the opportunity to recover physically, mentally, and emotionally from Russia's war crimes and enjoy a full and meaningful childhood."

Estonia has supported the creation and launch of the Council of Europe's register of damages caused by the Russian Federation's aggression against Ukraine. The register documents and stores evidence of damage and claims with the aim of ensuring compensation. Estonia also supports the establishment of a special tribunal under the Council of Europe to prosecute those responsible for the crime of aggression.

Estonia has taken concrete steps to identify, repatriate, and rehabilitate deported Ukrainian children. A human rights centre has been established in the city of Zhytomyr, which opened earlier this year. Estonia has also organised trauma care training for Ukrainian foster parents, and experts in child protection have participated in study visits and professional exchanges.

In 2023, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russia's Commissioner for Children's Rights, Maria Lvova-Belova, in connection with the deportation and unlawful adoption of Ukrainian children. The International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children was officially launched on 2 February 2024. It coordinates joint efforts between Ukraine and its partners to repatriate children. The coalition currently includes 41 member states.