Ukraine reports 1.6 million children under Russian control

Presidential Office Head Andrii Yermak reveals that human rights defenders estimate nearly 1.6 million Ukrainian children are having their identities systematically erased through forced Russian citizenship, altered records, and military indoctrination.
russian troops ukraine
Russian troops in Ukraine. Image by Ukrainska Pravda
Ukraine reports 1.6 million children under Russian control

On 17 March, Ukrainian Presidential Office Head Andrii Yermak said that nearly 1.6 million Ukrainian children are currently under Russian control—either deported or forced to live under occupation, according to human rights groups.

His words came on the same day, whenthe International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Russian ruler Vladimir Putin and Russia’s Commissioner for Children’s Rights, Maria Lvova-Belova, for the unlawful deportation of Ukrainian children in 2023.

“This was the first step toward justice, a moment when the world acknowledged Russia’s systematic policy of abducting and assimilating Ukrainian children,” Yermak said.

He stressed that these crimes are ongoing.

“Ukrainian human rights defenders estimate that up to 1.6 million children remain under Russian control—either deported or trapped in occupied territories.

Their Ukrainian identity is being systematically erased: they are forced to adopt Russian citizenship, have their personal records altered, and are recruited into military organizations and propaganda campaigns,” Yermak stated.

He claimed that Ukraine is using all available national and international legal instruments to hold those responsible to account. Recently, Ukrainian prosecutors filed a new indictment against those who abducted 10-month-old Margarita Prokopenko from Kherson, who was later illegally adopted by Russian citizens.

“We will not stop until every child returns home. There can be no just peace if Ukrainian children remain in Russia’s hands,” Yermak added.

Read also:

You could close this page. Or you could join our community and help us produce more materials like this.  We keep our reporting open and accessible to everyone because we believe in the power of free information. This is why our small, cost-effective team depends on the support of readers like you to bring deliver timely news, quality analysis, and on-the-ground reports about Russia's war against Ukraine and Ukraine's struggle to build a democratic society. A little bit goes a long way: for as little as the cost of one cup of coffee a month, you can help build bridges between Ukraine and the rest of the world, plus become a co-creator and vote for topics we should cover next. Become a patron or see other ways to support. Become a Patron!

To suggest a correction or clarification, write to us here

You can also highlight the text and press Ctrl + Enter

Please leave your suggestions or corrections here



    Euromaidan Press

    We are an independent media outlet that relies solely on advertising revenue to sustain itself. We do not endorse or promote any products or services for financial gain. Therefore, we kindly ask for your support by disabling your ad blocker. Your assistance helps us continue providing quality content. Thank you!

    Related Posts