In a crucial development, talks mediated by Saudi Arabia and Turkey for the repatriation of Ukrainian children taken to Russia since Moscow's invasion have been ongoing since April, according to a source familiar with the discussions. This comes in light of a recent Financial Times report confirming the efforts made by Riyadh and Istanbul to reach a deal that would bring back the children who have been placed in Russian children's homes or adopted by Russian families.

Ukraine has accused Russia of carrying out illegal deportations, while Moscow, controlling parts of Ukraine's east and south, denies these claims, stating that the children were moved for their own safety. The involvement of Saudi Arabia and Turkey in this mediation process has piqued interest, especially considering their successful negotiation of one of the largest prisoner swaps since Russia's invasion in February 2022. Last year, about 300 Ukrainians, including commanders who fought for the city of Mariupol, were able to return home, cementing Riyadh's advantageous position in the talks. However, the source expressed doubt that a deal would be reached, citing Russian President Vladimir Putin's unwillingness to repatriate the children as potentially hindering progress.

"For him to give (the children) back would mean that he agrees that he's a war criminal," the source stated. The number of children affected by this conflict is staggering, with Kyiv estimating that nearly 19,500 children have been taken to Russia or Russian-occupied Crimea since the invasion in 2022. To date, only 385 children have been repatriated, according to Ukrainian official figures. In March, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for Putin and Russia's children's rights commissioner, accusing them of abducting children from Ukraine. However, Russia rejects these allegations and refuses to recognize the ICC's jurisdiction, dismissing the warrants as null and void.

Despite the ongoing talks, no immediate response has been received from Russian or Turkish officials when approached for comment. Additionally, Saudi Arabia has refrained from providing any official statement on the matter. The fate of these Ukrainian children remains uncertain, with hopes for a resolution hinging on diplomatic negotiations and the cooperation of all involved parties.