The U.S. government has announced a $25 million initiative aimed at the identification, return, and rehabilitation of Ukrainian children forcibly taken by Russia. This funding, coordinated with Congress, is part of ongoing efforts to address the humanitarian crisis resulting from the conflict.
The U.S. State Department outlined that the financial support will focus on two primary areas:
- Assisting reliable partners in identifying and tracking children who have been forcibly displaced, which is crucial for diplomatic efforts aimed at their return.
- Supporting the Ukrainian government and trusted local partners in providing care and necessary support for the reintegration of returned children.
In a statement, the State Department emphasized the commitment of the U.S. to end the violence in Ukraine, reiterating the administration’s dedication to achieving a lasting peace.
First Lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska, highlighted the significance of this initiative during a meeting with U.S. officials, noting that it represents a comprehensive approach to rescuing Ukrainian children abducted by Russia—from search to return and reintegration.
As part of the initiative dubbed Bring Kids Back UA, Zelenska reported that 2,048 children have already been returned to Ukraine. However, she acknowledged that thousands remain in Russian custody, separated from their families and lacking communication and accurate information.
In March 2023, Ukraine’s Commissioner for Children’s Rights, Daria Gerasimchuk, stated that over 19,500 children had been documented as taken from occupied territories to Russia, although precise numbers are challenging to ascertain due to ongoing occupation.
On April 5, 2023, a coalition of 49 countries condemned Russia for its actions regarding the alleged legal justifications for the abduction of Ukrainian children. The UK blocked the broadcast of a Russian children’s rights official’s address at a UN Security Council meeting, calling for accountability in international courts.
The Ukrainian Prosecutor General’s Office has indicated that there is currently no clear mechanism for the return of deported Ukrainian children from Russia.
On March 17, 2023, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Russian Commissioner for Children’s Rights, Maria Lvova-Belova, for their roles in the illegal deportation and transfer of Ukrainian children.
As of September 23, 2025, President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that 1,625 Ukrainian children had successfully returned to Ukraine.
The U.S. has committed $25 million to help identify and rehabilitate Ukrainian children forcibly taken by Russia. This initiative aims to support diplomatic efforts for their return and provide necessary care for reintegrated children.