Qatari PM says efforts to free Ukrainian children in Russia ‘ongoing’

Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani said in a Sunday interview that the effort to free Ukrainian children from Russia is “ongoing” and that they hope more children will be released before the holidays.

“Qatar has been mediating in different conflicts that [are] not only exclusive to the region. But even beyond that. And this is something that’s been in the foundation of the country foreign policy. And it’s a core element that we are focusing on,” he said.

“These efforts are, has been ongoing and still continuing. And we are hoping also for another group to come back to their families before the holidays, hopefully,” Al Thani added.

Qatar has played a critical role in securing the release of Israeli and foreign hostages from Gaza in recent days, and President Biden has praised Qatari leaders for their partnership in the process.

Hamas, a U.S.-designated terrorist organization, used tactics in its attack against Israel similar to those of Russia, which has been publicly denounced for abducting Ukrainian children from their families as it wages war against the democratic country.

Qatar helped secure the return of Ukrainian children recently, and the prime minister said he is in constant communication with Ukrainians and Russians to secure more results.

“We see that this is a contribution of such a small country to international peace and security. We carried out this role based on the request at the beginning, from the Ukrainian in our constant exchange and communication with them, how we are able to help, and we use the channels of communication and the relationship that we have with Russia to secure those four kids,” the prime minister said.