OSCE appoints special representative to combat kidnapping of Ukrainian children by Russia
In a significant development within international efforts to address the unlawful abductions of Ukrainian children by Russia, the Parliamentary Assembly of the OSCE announced the appointment of Swedish parliamentarian Karina Edbrink as the special envoy for issues related to the kidnapping and deportation of Ukrainian children.
This decision was made following a recent visit to Kyiv, where discussions were held with Ukrainian officials, including President Volodymyr Zelensky, on mechanisms to ensure the return of abducted children.
Karina Edbrink, aged 64, is a member of the Swedish Social Democratic Party and has served in parliament since 2018.
Previously, she worked extensively on this issue as a special rapporteur supporting Ukraine within the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly.
She published a comprehensive report titled “The Kidnapping and Deportation of Ukrainian Children by Russia,” urging increased international cooperation, notably through the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children and President Zelensky’s initiative Bring Kids Back UA.
British intelligence reports estimate that over 19,500 Ukrainian children have been forcibly transferred or deported to Russia or the occupied Crimean territories.
The issue of returning these children has been emphasized by partner country leaders and is considered a crucial element in potential peace negotiations.