Ukrainian World Congress joins with government of Ukraine to secure freedom for POWs and abducted children

Kyiv, Ukraine – In an impactful move to defend the rights of Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs) and civilians held by Russia, and support families affected by Russian aggression, the Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) has formalized its cooperation with the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War (CHTPW). This new Memorandum of Cooperation marks a vital step forward in the collective effort to facilitate the release of Ukrainian citizens held in Russian captivity.

The CHTPW, operating as the coordinating council of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, is tasked with overseeing all matters related to prisoners of war. UWC President Paul Grod and General Kyrylo Budanov, head of the POW coordination center and head of Ukraine’s Military Intelligence, formalized a cooperation agreement, emphasizing the importance of unity in the face of adversity. 

Budanov expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Ukrainian diaspora for their unwavering support. “The commitment of compassionate Ukrainians around the world is essential to our mission. Only through unified efforts can we achieve our goal of liberating and returning all our citizens from Russian captivity,” he stated.

The Memorandum of Cooperation aims to harness the resources, expertise, and networks of the global Ukrainian community to strengthen Ukraine’s resistance against Russian neocolonial policies and military aggression.

“This agreement empowers the Ukrainian World Congress to significantly enhance the critical work of the Coordinating Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War. Together, we can improve the effectiveness of our initiatives and provide essential support to those impacted by Russia’s unprovoked aggression,” Grod remarked. 

He further emphasized, “It is critical that the UWC and the Government of Ukraine work together to inform and educate governments, civil society, media, and other thought leaders about the psychological and physical tortures, rapes, and murders being committed by Russians against the thousands of Ukrainians in captivity today. This includes the indoctrination of tens of thousands of Ukrainian children who have been kidnapped by Russians. Awareness is the first step toward justice and liberation. Russian war crimes against Ukrainians must be stopped.”

The Memorandum lays the groundwork for extensive collaboration across multiple areas, including: humanitarian aid; cultural and educational Initiatives; advocacy; and other joint activities that amplify impact. 

This agreement will create the framework for systemic cooperation and will be a means to engage the global Ukrainian community and friends of Ukraine to bring a just and lasting peace for Ukraine. Together, the UWC and the Government of Ukraine are committed to ensuring that no Ukrainian is left behind.