In a published statement ahead of the visit, The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs, co-hosted Pathways to Peace: Second International Conference on Returning Ukrainian Children, Detained Civilians, and Prisoners of War in Toronto, Ontario, on September 28 and 29, 2026. The statement, released by Global Affairs Canada on October 1, 2026, outlines the continued efforts to facilitate the return of Ukrainian children held abroad, as well as detained civilians and prisoners of war. This marks the second international conference convened by Canada, Ukraine, and Norway under the Pathways to Peace initiative. The statement does not address the specific number of individuals involved or the operational details of the return process.
Context
The Pathways to Peace initiative, launched in September 2026, represents Canada’s ongoing commitment to supporting Ukraine following the Russian invasion. In March the ministry said Canada would continue to work with international partners to address the urgent humanitarian needs of Ukrainian citizens impacted by the conflict. The conference, as announced on September 12, 2026, builds upon the initial co-chairs’ statement issued on September 30, 2026, which underscored the importance of a multilateral approach to this complex challenge. The event brings together key stakeholders—including representatives from Ukraine, Norway, and other nations—to foster dialogue and coordinate efforts. The Honourable Anita Anand met with Honduras’ Secretary of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation on September 28, 2026, on the margins of the conference. The statement does not mention any specific outcomes from the discussions, but it reaffirms the commitment to continued engagement.
What to Watch
Should the conference yield progress on facilitating the return of Ukrainian children, detainees, and prisoners of war, the statement indicates Canada will continue to work with its partners to explore further avenues for support. If the visit yields no new developments, the statement does not mention a timeline for further action. The statement does not address the broader geopolitical context of the conflict or the long-term implications for Ukrainian sovereignty. The continued engagement reflects a prioritization of diplomatic solutions, as highlighted in the September 12, 2026 announcement. The statement does not specify any changes to Canada’s existing support mechanisms for Ukraine.
Sources & Further Reading
- Official press release
- Foreign ministry source
- Co-Chairs' Statement for Pathways to Peace: Second International Conference on Returning Ukrainian Children, Detained Civilians, and Prisoners of War (30 Septemb)
- Canada, Ukraine and Norway to co-host international conference on returning Ukrainian children, detained civilians and prisoners of war (12 Septemb)
- Minister Anand meets with Honduras’ Secretary of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (28 Septemb)
