world 8 October 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Ukraine's daily silence highlights plight of deported children, detained civilians, and POWs
Every morning, Ukraine observes a minute of silence to remember victims of the ongoing war and acknowledge the absence of thousands of deported children, unlawfully detained civilians, and prisoners of war held by Russia. This act of remembrance underscores the human cost of the conflict and the urgent need for their safe return as a crucial step towards peace. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/oped/commentary/returning-ukrainian-children-detained-civilians-and-prisoners-of-war-is-a-pathway-to-peace-5625222
Across Ukraine, a daily ritual unfolds at 9 AM: the nation pauses for one minute of silence. This moment, marked by the ticking of a clock broadcast over loudspeakers, is a solemn acknowledgment of lives lost to Russia’s aggression and a poignant reminder of those who are yet to return.
The silence also reflects the profound absence felt by families grappling with the fate of thousands of Ukrainian children, forcibly transferred and unlawfully deported by Russia. These children have been separated from their families and communities, with their identities, language, and culture suppressed.
Adding to the somber reality are the numerous Ukrainian civilians unlawfully detained in Russian-occupied territories. Many face detention for asserting their Ukrainian identity, speaking out against occupation, or sharing truthful accounts of the conflict. Some are held in Russian facilities without due process, denied contact with loved ones and adequate medical care.
Furthermore, the conditions for Ukrainian prisoners of war in Russian custody remain deeply concerning. Accounts from returnees and reports from independent bodies detail harsh treatment, widespread abuse, and even torture, constituting grave violations of international law.
These are not mere side effects of war; they are deliberate actions aimed at undermining the will of the Ukrainian people. Behind each case lies a human story of separation and longing.
Recognizing the immense scope of this issue, Canada, Norway, and Ukraine convened the “Pathways to Peace” conference in Toronto on September 28-29. Building on progress from a 2024 conference, the event brought together international partners to bolster efforts for the return, rehabilitation, and reintegration of deported children, detained civilians, and prisoners of war. Their safe return is deemed a humanitarian imperative and a foundational element for building trust and establishing a just and lasting peace.
This article was jointly authored by Joshua Brebner Tabah, the High Commissioner of Canada to Uganda, Tone Tinnes, the Ambassador of Norway to Uganda and Yurii Tokar, Ukraine’s Ambassador to Kenya.