British News Agency

Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that New Zealand has joined the International Coalition established to facilitate the return of Ukrainian children who were unlawfully removed from Ukraine and forcibly transferred by Russia.

In its statement, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry said that New Zealand's accession had increased the number of member countries in the coalition to 51.

Acting Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha welcomed New Zealand's decision and thanked the country and Foreign Minister Winston Peters for their continued solidarity with Ukraine.

Sybiha stated that every new country joining the coalition increases international pressure on Russia and strengthens the demand for the return of Ukrainian children to their homeland.

The statement noted that the coalition will continue its efforts to advance accountability for the return and reintegration of Ukrainian children, keep the issue on the international agenda, and increase pressure on Russia.