Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I also would like to express my gratitude to all of the witnesses, particularly the children who shared their stories.
This is harrowing testimony for us to hear. Like many in this room, I am also a mother. I listened to the testimony of Ms. Bodak and thought that my son is 16. I can't even imagine the horror that you've had to endure, to hear that they put a hood over your head and....
I'm also so impressed with how strong your testimony is and that you're able to come here and share your thoughts and your stories with us.
I am also trying to understand how it is that the children on this call were able to get back to Ukraine and that so many of the Ukrainian children who were taken have not been able to return.
I would start with the parents.
If I could ask Ms. Bodak to begin, I know how hard you fought to have Vladyslav returned to you. From your perspective, what are those things that we can assist with? How did that happen? Was it luck? Was it hard work? Was it a combination of all the things being aligned? I would like to hear your perspective on that.