Vice Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk commented on the possibility of returning Ukrainian children to the government-controlled territory in an exclusive interview with Rada TV channel.

She gave examples of successful border crossings, such as the Kolotylivka-Pokrovka checkpoint in Sumy Oblast. This checkpoint has been operational for five months and has seen almost 2,000 children return to Ukraine, including both minors and those who have already reached the age of majority.

The Vice Prime Minister stated that one’s desire is the primary factor in this case. She gave an example of 18-year-old Bohdan Yermokhin’s successful return.

Russian officials attempted to prevent him from pursuing his goal and even threatened to draft him into the army. However, he remained determined to live in Ukraine and persisted in his pursuit.

” The easier it is to use various mechanisms, the more information we have. A broad international and public outcry can also be helpful. If we know the exact location of the child, it is only a matter of time and effort. We will return the child,” concludes Iryna Vereshch