Did Russia and Ukraine agree on a child exchange deal?

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No Confirmed Agreement on Child Exchange Deal Between Russia and Ukraine

Ukraine's human rights commissioner has stated there is no direct communication with Russia on a reported deal to exchange nearly 50 children. Russia's children's rights commissioner, Maria Lvova-Belova, had announced an agreement for 29 children to go to Ukraine and 19 to Russia, following face-to-face talks with the Ukrainian side. However, Ukrainian officials have since declined to confirm this information.
Disputed Exchange Details

The announcement of the child exchange deal came from Russia's children's rights commissioner, Maria Lvova-Belova, who stated that 29 children would be transferred to Ukraine and 19 to Russia. This purported agreement was made public during mediation efforts in Doha, Qatar, which has been involved in facilitating the return of Ukrainian children.
Ukrainian Official's Denial of Direct Communication

Dmytro Lubinets, Ukraine's parliament's human rights commissioner, explicitly stated that he could not confirm the reported agreement and that there is no direct communication between Ukraine and Russia on this specific case. This statement directly contradicts the Russian announcement and highlights a lack of consensus between the two parties.
Qatar's Ongoing Mediation Efforts

Qatar has been actively mediating efforts to reunite Ukrainian children with their families since July 2023. These efforts have led to the return of dozens of children who were taken to Russia and occupied territories. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky acknowledged that 16 children, who had benefited from previous exchanges, were in Qatar for recovery, having been forcibly deported to Russia.
Scale of Alleged Child Transfers

Ukraine estimates that Russia has illegally taken more than 19,000 children since the 2022 invasion, with fewer than 400 having been returned. Moscow, however, claims these transfers were made to ensure children's safety away from conflict zones. The fate of these children remains a highly sensitive issue, with many separated from families or living in orphanages in occupied areas at the war's outset.

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Did Russia and Ukraine agree on a child exchange deal?

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