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Putin is Using Abducted Ukrainian Children as Weapons, Says Ukrainian Top Official
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![Liubava Petriv]( "Liubava Petriv")
Ukraine has reiterated its demand for the return of thousands of children who have been taken into Russia since the beginning of the war, with officials warning that their forced relocation and indoctrination pose a serious humanitarian and security threat.
Daria Zarivna, Advisor to the Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, and Deputy Foreign Minister Mariana Betsa have stressed that no peace negotiations can move forward until these children are safely returned to their families. They shared these concerns in an interview with The Sun on April 1.
Zarivna emphasized that children taken to Russia have been subjected to systematic efforts to erase their Ukrainian identity, warning that “they’ve been indoctrinated and militarized.” She expressed concerns that some may be drawn into Russian military structures in the future.
“We have plenty of cases of Ukrainian young people who have been engaged and brought into military organizations,” Zarivna said. “Russia is using these young Ukrainians as a future weapon not only against Ukraine but also against the whole of Europe.”
According to Ukrainian officials, tens of thousands of children have been forcibly relocated since the war began, with many being placed in Russian families and given new identities. Disturbing reports have emerged about camps where children undergo re-education programs. Some have been told that their families abandoned them, further complicating their potential return.
Deputy Foreign Minister Betsa underscored the devastating impact this has had on families and the need for justice. “It’s not just a statistic, 20,000. There is a life behind every number,” she stated. “We need to return every single child.”
Betsa also highlighted the broader implications of these actions, arguing that accountability is essential. “Aggressors should not be appeased. We cannot live in a world where impunity prevails over the rule of law. That is why Ukraine is advocating for stronger international mechanisms for accountability.”
Ukraine launched the Bring Kids Back UA initiative to facilitate the return of abducted children. Zarivna outlined the multi-phase approach, which includes immediate medical and psychological care, long-term reintegration programs, and ensuring safe housing for those from destroyed areas.
“For us, it is essential that children who return are reunited with relatives or placed with Ukrainian families,” Zarivna said. “We must ensure their rehabilitation and reintegration.”
In March 2023, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Russian leader Vladimir Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova, Russia’s children’s commissioner, over the deportation of Ukrainian children. Russia has dismissed the accusations, framing the relocation as a humanitarian effort.
Despite the challenges, Ukraine remains determined to bring back every displaced child. “Our task is to work with them, to help them rebuild trust and reconnect with their roots,” Betsa said. “This is not an easy task, but it is one of Ukraine’s most important missions.”
Previously, it was reported that UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has pledged that the United Kingdom will do everything possible to support the return of Ukrainian children who were illegally taken to Russia.
