Russia forcibly deports thousands of Ukrainian children amidst war
- Approximately 19,546 Ukrainian children have been deported to Russia since the invasion began in 2022.
- Many deported children experience indoctrination and pressure to assimilate into Russian culture.
- These actions are viewed as a systematic violation of human rights aimed at weakening Ukraine’s future demographic resilience.
In light of the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia that began in February 2022, Ukraine has faced severe humanitarian crises, particularly concerning its children. Reports have emerged detailing the forced deportation of around 19,546 children to Russia, which is perceived not only as a violation of human rights but also as an attempt to undermine Ukraine's demographic future. Organizations like Bring Kids Back UA have been working tirelessly to return these children, but the retrieval process is fraught with obstacles, with approximately only 1,399 children successfully returned to their home country so far. As the situation escalates, there are alarming accounts of children being indoctrinated and coerced into adopting Russian citizenship under the guise of safety. Testimonies from those affected indicate that some displaced Ukrainian children have been placed in Russian foster families or have ended up in so-called