A recent report from a UN commission investigating violations in Ukraine has classified the deportation and transfer of Ukrainian children by Russian authorities as crimes against humanity and war crimes. The findings highlight the systematic nature of these actions, which have affected over 1,200 children from five regions of Ukraine.
The commission’s report states that there is compelling evidence supporting the deportation and transfer of these children, concluding that such actions constitute serious violations of international law. The report notes that Russian authorities have consistently failed to inform parents or legal guardians about the whereabouts of their children, effectively holding them in captivity and obstructing their return.
According to the UN, the Russian government has not established a system to facilitate the repatriation of these children. Instead, it has aimed to integrate them into Russian families or institutions, with officials suggesting that adoption by Russian families is the best option for these children.
As of now, approximately 80% of the affected children have not returned to areas controlled by the Ukrainian government. Those who have attempted to return have faced numerous obstacles, delays, and safety risks.
The report also highlights another war crime attributed to Russia: the unjustified delays in the repatriation of deported civilians. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry welcomed the release of the UN report, emphasizing its significance in addressing these violations.
In related developments, Ukraine’s presidential commissioner for children’s rights, Daria Gerasimchuk, reported that as of late March 2023, the government is aware of over 19,500 children taken from occupied territories to Russia. The actual number may be higher due to the conditions of occupation.
On April 5, 2023, 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 speech by Russia’s children’s rights commissioner, Maria Lvova-Belova, at a UN Security Council meeting, calling for accountability in The Hague.
The Ukrainian Prosecutor General’s Office has noted that there is currently no transparent mechanism for the return of Ukrainian children deported to Russia. Additionally, on March 17, 2023, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Lvova-Belova, suspecting them of illegal deportation and transfer of Ukrainian children.
President Volodymyr Zelensky reported on February 17, 2026, that 2,000 Ukrainian children had been successfully returned to Ukraine.
The UN has identified the deportation of Ukrainian children by Russia as crimes against humanity, revealing systematic violations and significant challenges in repatriation efforts. The report underscores the urgent need for international accountability and action.