Members of the Razom for Ukraine organization and other pro-Ukrainian social groups placed 20,000 on the lawn between the Capitol and the George Washington Monument. teddy bears. The mascots were used to create an inscription: “Putin kidnapped 20,000 Ukrainian children. Bring them back.” The action was intended to draw attention to the scale of the problem and put pressure on the American authorities.
The organizer of the event, Kateryna Pawlewycz, explained that the initiative was intended to show the tragedy of abducted children in a way that would stir public opinion. In turn, Ukrainian ambassador in Washington, Olha Stefanishyna, emphasized that Russia should be held responsible for war crimes, and anyone who buys Russian raw materials contributes to this practice.
Appeal for sanctions and support for Ukraine
They participated in the happening American parliamentarians from both sides of the political spectrum: Congressmen Michael McCaul and Jamie Raskin and Senators Amy Klobuchar and Richard Blumenthal. Politicians called on the White House and Congress to adopt new sanctions laws, including recognizing Russia as a state supporting terrorism and imposing sanctions on buyers of Russian crude oil. They recalled that last year they managed to obtain funds to help return and monitor the fate of kidnapped children, and the US Department of State allocated $25 million for this purpose.
Senator Richard Blumenthal pointed out that Vladimir Putin's actions are not limited only to territorial aggression, but are aimed at destruction of the entire Ukrainian nation. He emphasized that children are subjected to “re-education”, their names are changed and they are forced to forget their own identity and that of their parents.
It won't end with Washington
Olha Stefaniszyna, who went to a meeting with US Secretary of State Mark Rubio after the event, noted in a conversation with the media that although the conflict in Iran had distracted some of Americans' attention, talks with the US administration on ending the war in Ukraine are continuing. She added that arms deliveries to Ukraine continue, although there have been some disruptions. She also announced that Ukraine plans to allocate part of the loan from the European Union, amounting to EUR 90 billion, to purchase missiles for American Patriot systems.
The action with teddy bears was part of the week of activities for Ukraine, organized by pro-Ukrainian circles. Razom for Ukraine spokeswoman Kateryna Lisunova said that the installation will be moved to other cities, to continue to draw attention to the tragedy of Ukrainian children and mobilize public opinion to action.
