Ukraine's President Zelenskyy, UNICEF goodwill envoy Bloom discuss support for children

By Burc Eruygur

ISTANBUL (AA) — Assistance for Ukrainian children was on the agenda early on Monday in a meeting between Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and British actor Orlando Bloom.

"As a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, Orlando Bloom will support humanitarian aid and infrastructure reconstruction projects aimed at ensuring the interests of Ukrainian children," said a statement by the president's office.

The statement said that Bloom's priorities also included the development of family care systems for children deprived of parental care, of infrastructure for early childhood development, and the creation of youth projects and startups.

The statement noted that Bloom visited the capital Kyiv, where he arrived on Sunday, and the city of Irpin, as well as the village of Demydiv, saying he was impressed by "the courage and resilience of Ukrainians who, despite the war, remain strong."

"Thank you for your visit, which is an important message. It is of great importance to us that the world knows what is happening in Ukraine during the war. Of course, thank you for the help you provide directly to the children," Zelenskyy told Bloom, according to the statement.

It further noted that Zelenskyy underlined the importance of creating "a safe environment for Ukrainian children — both for those who are in Ukraine and for those who were forced to leave our country due to the war."

"The participants of the meeting also discussed the return of Ukrainian children who were deported to Russia by the occupiers. The Head of State called on UNICEF to help Ukraine in solving this issue," it added.

Now in its second year, the war between Russia and Ukraine has so far killed more than 8,300 civilians and wounded over 13,800 others, according to the latest UN figures.