The Russian Foreign Ministry called the West's statements on Ukrainian children a manifestation of Russophobia.

Russia not only does not prevent, but also promotes in every possible way the reunification of Ukrainian children with their relatives. The accusations of Western countries are a manifestation of Russophobia. This was stated on August 8 by the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova, commenting on the demand of the international coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children to give a "meaningful answer" to the list of 339 Ukrainian children, which was handed over to Russia at the talks with Ukraine on June 2 in Istanbul.

"We are dealing with another provocation and a convulsive attempt to return public attention to the story of the alleged "illegal deportation and forced displacement" of Ukrainian children, which is divorced from reality. Russia not only does not prevent, but also in every possible way promotes their (children's) reunification with relatives. The necessary work is being carried out through the Commissioner for Children's Rights under the President of the Russian Federation [Maria] M.A. Lvova-Belova," reads a statement on the official website of the department.

According to the diplomat, about 30% of the data from the Ukrainian list has not been confirmed, since some of the children have either never been to the territory of the Russian Federation or are of legal age.

"Thus, the text approved by the so—called international coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children is another manifestation of Russophobia and "double standards," she stressed.

Lvova-Belova reported on July 16 that a 13-year-old boy had been returned to Russia from Ukraine through the mediation of Qatar. It was noted that the child had been living with his grandmother in Ukraine since 2016, but the family and the boy himself expressed a desire to reunite in Russia.

Later, on July 17, she stated that Russia, with the mediation of Qatar, had helped 11 children to reunite with relatives in Ukraine. According to her, the situations in which a family is separated from their loved ones are different for everyone.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.