OpEd: Ukrainians keep fighting for their children, their country, and a rules-based international order

When the first explosions were heard by nurses and nannies at the Kherson Regional Children’s Home in southern Ukraine on 24 February 2022, they were alarmed and confused. The building had no shelter, not even a basement. As Russian forces occupied Kherson in the beginning of Russia’s full‑scale invasion of Ukraine, staff moved the children to a church, attempting to hide them. Eventually, Russian soldiers found them. They forcibly transferred and deported 48 Ukrainian children. Witnesses recall how the Russians wrote the children’s names on their little hands to identify them – only to later change the identity of many. This was not an accident of war. It was a deliberate policy of erasing their identity.

According to the Bring Kids Back initiative of the President of Ukraine, there are records confirming the deportation and forced transfer of approximately 20,000 Ukrainian children by Russia. These children are still missing and illegally being placed in foster families and adopted in Russia, in the process of depriving their national identity - changing their names, biographies, and even dates of birth. This makes the ongoing mediating role of South Africa to facilitate their return so urgent and important. We support South Africa’s efforts and work together, as we did recently in the United Nations General Assembly to adopt a resolution on the return of all Ukrainian children forcibly transferred or deported by Russia since 2014. 

Almost 1,500 days have passed since Russia started its full-scale invasion of Ukraine but let us keep in mind that the aggression started twelve years ago by the occupation of Crimea. A reckless Russia’s war of aggression that has to date according to estimates cost nearly two million casualties, including citizens of South Africa and other African countries tricked into fighting for Russia. This is the heaviest casualty rate suffered by any military offensive since the second World War, and it has barely translated into gains on the ground: in 2025, Russian forces seized only 0.8 percent of Ukraine's territory. 

In contrast, what is visible is the global damage generated by Putin’s war: threatened food insecurity, ecological disasters, disrupted energy exports, increased inflation and slowed globalisation. 

Ukrainians are fighting with extraordinary courage not only to defend their people and territory. They are fighting for the rules-based international order, standing up against Russia’s flagrant violation, in defence of principles of the United Nation (UN) Charter that the overwhelming majority in the international community hold dear: independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the obligation to settle international disputes by peaceful means.

As Europeans, we have a direct stake in Ukraine’s security and future. Supporting Ukraine is an investment in Europe’s own security and in the stability of our continent. That is why we are committed to securing a comprehensive, just and lasting peace. Nobody wants peace more than Ukraine. But peace cannot come at any cost.  Any agreement must ensure Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within internationally recognised borders, while at the same time guarantee Ukraine’s long-term security and the ability to defend itself. Europe must be involved, when it comes to European security and assets. And it is the EU and Europe who decide upon the issues concerning EU and Europe. In addition, a ceasefire without security guarantees is not peace; it is merely a pause before Russia decides to strike again.

Ukraine has continuously demonstrated a commitment to a just and lasting peace. Meanwhile, there is a stark asymmetry between Russia’s statements on “seeking peace” and the war crimes being committed on the ground. In the midst of the coldest winter in Ukraine since the beginning of Russia’s war of aggression, Russia is ruthlessly intensifying its blatant attacks, deliberately striking homes and civilian infrastructure. Energy facilities and heating systems are routinely targeted by Russian strikes, leaving innumerable families without power, heating and water in freezing temperatures. By doing this, Russia is creating a humanitarian crisis. This is not the conduct of a state seeking peace. It is the behaviour of the Kremlin, waging a war of attrition against an innocent civilian population.

The EU will continue to provide comprehensive political, financial, economic, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support to the Ukrainian people. Since the outset of Russia’s full-scale invasion, the EU and its Member States have stood firmly by Ukraine and, together, constitute the largest provider of financial assistance to the country.

So far €103.3 billion have been mobilised in financial, economic and humanitarian support. Additionally, we have decided to provide Ukraine with a loan of €90 billion (appr. Rand 1.71 trillion) for 2026 and 2027. With this support, we ensure that Ukraine can bolster its defence on the battlefield; keep basic services running and strengthen its position at the negotiation table. 

After four years of war, the future is uncertain for those children deported and forcibly transferred by Russia from the Kherson Regional Children’s Home. While a few children from this Children’s Home have been located and returned to Ukraine, the fate of more than 40 remains unknown. Returning all deported and forcibly transferred children to Ukraine and pursuing accountability for those responsible is paramount, including through their criminal prosecution and indictment under international law.

Europe will always stand with Ukraine and its people, as they show the most extraordinary resilience and keep fighting Russia’s attempts to assert its dominance over their country. As history has shown, when such brutal aggression continues unchecked, it brings tremendous suffering. 

2026 must be the year Russia ceases its war of aggression against Ukraine, paving the way for a just and lasting peace for Ukraine, in full compliance with the principles of the UN charter and international law.