Canada, Ukraine, and Norway to Co-Host Conference on Returning Detained Ukrainians
Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand announced that Canada, Ukraine, and Norway will co-host the 'Pathways to Peace' conference in Toronto this September. The event aims to strengthen international efforts to return Ukrainian children, civilians, and prisoners of war held by Russia, amid ongoing conflict and recent Canadian sanctions.
On September 12, 2026, Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand announced that Canada, Ukraine, and Norway will co-host the "Pathways to Peace: Second International Conference" in Toronto, Ontario. The conference is scheduled for September 28 and 29, 2026.
The primary objective of the gathering is to strengthen international coordination for the return of Ukrainian children, detained civilians, and prisoners of war currently held by Russia. Organizers aim to enhance tracing capabilities, improve information sharing, and establish clearer pathways for return, while also ensuring protection and reintegration support for those who come home.
Recent statistics highlight the scale of the humanitarian challenge. Ukrainian authorities have confirmed 20,651 records of possible unlawful deportation and forcible transfer of Ukrainian children by Russia. As of the reporting date, 2,573 of these children have been returned from deportation, forcible transfer, or temporary occupation.
Regarding adult detainees, Ukraine’s Parliamentary Commissioner for Human Rights had confirmed 1,878 civilians unlawfully detained by Russia as of June 2026. However, civil society estimates suggest the actual number could be as high as 20,000. Additionally, as of August 2026, 9,529 Ukrainian military personnel and civilians had been returned from Russian captivity. The Government of Ukraine does not disclose the exact number of its prisoners of war currently held by Russia.
The announcement coincides with intensified diplomatic and economic measures by Canada. On September 10, 2026, Canada announced up to $6 million to support Ukraine’s efforts to return and reintegrate Ukrainian children and imposed new sanctions on eight individuals for violating Ukrainian children's rights. Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Canada has committed more than $26 billion in multifaceted support to Ukraine, including over $750 million specifically for recovery and reconstruction. Canada has also imposed over 3,500 sanctions in response to Russia’s violations of Ukraine’s sovereignty and recently extended Operation UNIFIER until 2029 to continue training and support for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
The conference takes place against a backdrop of continued violence. Russian strikes on Saturday killed eight civilians and wounded dozens more across Ukraine, with attacks reported in Zaporizhzhia, Kryvyi Rih, Odesa, Kramatorsk, and the Zhytomyr region. In Odesa alone, 35 people were wounded.
Diplomatic tensions remain high. Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on Friday that the deployment of European troops to Ukraine would mean direct conflict with Russia. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed willingness to meet Putin if both were invited to the G20 summit in Miami in December.