The Ukrainian government has announced its intention to seek the creation of an international framework aimed at restoring orphans allegedly taken to Russia from war zones in Ukraine in an illegal way.

Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk pointed out on Monday that Russia illegally detained 4,396 orphans in the Russian-controlled areas of her country, and transported them to Russian territory.

She stressed that the assistance of the world community is very important for Ukraine in its efforts to bring those children back home.

She said Ukraine will seek the cooperation of the European Union and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees as well as other countries and international organizations.

The Ukrainian government thinks the chances of bringing such orphans back to Ukraine are limited because of the absence of caretakers demanding their return.

The International Criminal Court in March issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin, along with Russia's presidential commissioner. It has accused them of war crimes over the alleged unlawful deportation of orphans.

On Tuesday, the General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces said the fiercest battles continue over the control of Avdiivka and Maryinka. It said it shot down Russian military aircraft including drones, and reiterated Ukrainians' resolve to counter the Russian invasion.