UK urged to fund Ukrainian children tracing project

The Liberal Democrats in the UK are calling on the government to fund a project that tracks Ukrainian children taken to Russia. This comes after the US stopped its support for a program run by Yale University. It is estimated that around 20,000 Ukrainian children have been kidnapped since the Russian invasion. Calum Miller, the Lib Dems’ foreign affairs spokesperson, said that UK funding for this initiative could strengthen ties with the US, especially in light of ongoing issues in Ukraine. The Yale project has been crucial in trying to find out what happened to these children, but US funding cuts have put it at risk. At their spring conference, Miller will introduce a motion expressing concern over former President Donald Trump’s leadership and calling for greater cooperation among European nations. He suggested that the UK could use money from the sale of Chelsea FC to support efforts to end the abduction of Ukrainian children. Miller also emphasized the need for the UK to find ways to use frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine. He argued that it is important for European nations to come together to address the situation, especially as American support faces uncertainties. Despite understanding the challenges faced by opposition leaders like Keir Starmer, Miller believes that the UK needs a clearer stance regarding Trump and US policies. He expressed disappointment with the Conservative Party’s approach to Trump, arguing it has not resonated well with voters in his constituency, where many have welcomed Ukrainian families fleeing the war.