At 9 a.m. each day, Ukrainian streets fall silent as a clock tick is broadcast over loudspeakers, marking a minute of nationwide remembrance for war victims.
The pause reflects the anguish of families still waiting for loved ones taken by Russia, including thousands of children forcibly transferred, civilians detained in occupied territories, and prisoners of war held in Russian custody.
Ukrainian officials say many of the children have been stripped of their language, culture and names, while detained civilians face denied medical care and limited contact with families. Reports from independent monitors cite abuse, torture and sexual violence against prisoners of war.
Ukraine’s ambassador to Egypt, Mykola Nagorny, called the violations “repeated and well-documented” breaches of international law aimed at breaking Ukrainian resolve.
Addressing the crisis, Canada, Norway and Ukraine will host a two‑day summit in Toronto on Sept. 28‑29, titled Pathways to Peace: Second International Conference on Returning Ukrainian Children. Foreign ministers and humanitarian groups are expected to discuss coordinated mechanisms for repatriating children, releasing unlawful detainees and reuniting families.
Organisers stress that no single nation can solve the problem alone and that sustained cooperation will be essential for any lasting peace and reconstruction in Ukraine.