Russia Illegally Deported Over 20,000 Ukrainian Children, With Another 1.5 Million at Risk

Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Russia has illegally deported over 20,000 Ukrainian children, according to Ukrainian Ombudsman for Human Rights, Dmytro Lubinets. He warned that approximately 1.5 million more children, currently in Russian-occupied territories, face the risk of deportation.

Lubinets shared this information during the third plenary session of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children. He emphasized that Russia forcibly changes the personal data of deported children, making it difficult for their families and Ukraine to locate and return them.

“Many of these children are sent to so-called 're-education camps' where they are subjected to Russian propaganda. In these camps, they are pressured to renounce their Ukrainian identity,” Lubinets stated.

He also provided details on specific institutions, such as the Olekskivsky Children’s Home in Kherson region, whose children were first moved to occupied territories and later deported to Russia. Lubinets highlighted the case of children from the Kherson Regional Orphanage who were adopted in Russia without proper legal procedures.

The Ombudsman also noted that children deported to Russia, particularly orphans, often face inadequate medical care and poor living conditions.

Ukraine continues its efforts to locate and return these children, including identifying their relatives and improving legal mechanisms to protect their rights. However, Lubinets stressed that Russia deliberately delays the process of returning these children.

During the meeting, participants of the Coalition reviewed their progress over the past six months and outlined future plans. They issued a Joint Statement emphasizing key principles for the return of children, including transparency in data sharing, access for international missions, support for Ukraine’s humanitarian efforts, and ensuring children’s access to justice.

The illegal deportation of children is one of the key charges for which the International Criminal Court has issued an arrest warrant for Russian leader Vladimir Putin. Ukraine remains engaged in complex efforts to secure the return of these children, as each case is handled individually. However, Russia’s lack of cooperation has significantly hindered the process.