Waltz says returning abducted Ukrainian children from Russia “confidence building measure”

The U.S. sees the return of Ukrainian children illegally relocated by Russia as one of the confidence building steps amid the ongoing ceasefire negotiations.

That’s according to National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, who spoke with CBS News on March 23, Ukrinform reports with reference to The Kyiv Independent.

"President Trump has spoken to both leaders about prisoner exchanges. Both the Russians and Ukrainians exchanged prisoners, nearly 200, immediately following their call. And he's also talked about the future of these children. So that's certainly, first and foremost, and, kind of, confidence building measures," Waltz said.

He reiterated Washington’s comments that the warring parties are now closer to peace than ever.

Waltz also mentioned the recent 30-day ceasefire on energy infrastructure and a pending ceasefire in the Black Sea, that would allow "both sides [to] move grain, fuel, and start conducting trade again."

As Ukrinform reported earlier, on March 23, a Ukrainian delegation led by Defense Minister Rustem Umerov met with the U.S. administration’s team in Saudi Arabia.

According to Umerov, the conversation was “constructive and meaningful” as the parties discussed key issues, in particular in the energy sector.

Photo: Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc