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20,000 Teddy Bears on National Mall Press U.S. to Help Return Ukrainian Children

The installation channels bipartisan pressure in Washington to accelerate the return of Ukrainian children.

Overview

  • The teddy-bear installation on the National Mall, which opened Thursday, displays 20,000 toys to represent the children Ukraine says were taken to Russia.
  • Razom for Ukraine and the American Coalition for Ukraine organized the display to turn a large number into something people can see and feel.
  • Ukrainian ambassador Olga Stefanishyna joined Reps. Michael McCaul and Jamie Raskin and Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Richard Blumenthal to urge sustained action to bring the children home.
  • McCaul said the true count may be higher than reported and pledged that Congress stands unified behind efforts to return the children.
  • The first lady’s office said on April 2 it completed a fourth round of reunifications after her 2025 letter pressed Russia’s leader, as Russia denies abduction claims and an ICC warrant and a new $25 million U.S. fund frame the push for returns.