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European Parliament Passes Resolution Condemning Russia's Deportation of Ukrainian Children
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![Maryna_kulakova]( "Photo of Maryna Kulakova")
-924c3c302c27387e19f6c44aaeb98745.png "Photo of Maryna Kulakova")
The European Parliament overwhelmingly passed a resolution condemning Russia’s forcible deportation and russification of Ukrainian children, calling it a "genocidal strategy" aimed at erasing Ukrainian identity, on May 8. The resolution also demanded the unconditional return of all abducted minors.
The resolution passed with 516 votes in favor, three against, and 34 abstentions. Lawmakers urged the EU and its member states to intensify efforts to hold Moscow accountable through international courts and to support Ukraine’s campaign to bring its children home.
“Russia must disclose the identities and whereabouts of all deported Ukrainian children, ensure their well-being, and facilitate their safe and unconditional return,” lawmakers stated, calling for Russia to grant international humanitarian organizations, including the International Committee of the Red Cross, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and UNICEF, access to all affected children.
Since the outbreak of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, Ukraine has identified over 19,500 children who were illegally transferred to Russia, Belarus, or Russian-occupied territories, with fewer than 1,300 returned so far.
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The European Parliament condemned the illegal adoptions, forced militarization, and russification of Ukrainian children. Many of the children taken are placed in Russian foster homes, enrolled in military training camps, and subjected to intense propaganda. Those who have returned report being punished for speaking Ukrainian and told that their country no longer wants them.
The resolution urges EU institutions and member states to join the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children and to continue supporting Ukraine’s efforts to document and trace abducted minors. It also emphasizes that any future peace agreement with Russia must include the children’s repatriation and full accountability for war crimes.
The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Russian leader Vladimir Putin and Children’s Rights Commissioner Maria Lvova-Belova in connection with the abductions.
Previously, it was reported that Russia is set to ramp up its deportation of Ukrainian children from occupied territories under the guise of summer holidays, according to statements from Russian officials, analysts from the Institute for the Study of War reported on April 29.
-a80eca3386f843ec2c53278e18ae1131.jpg "Rare Footage Shows Ukrainian Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Unit Launching Multiple Chaklun-V UAVs at Night, Video")
