Ukraine has retrieved 12 children who were taken to Russia during the war, according to Andriy Yermak, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s chief of staff. The children, who had been separated from their families in occupied territories, were brought back through international mediation. Ukrainian officials say thousands of children remain in Russia or Russian-controlled areas.
“We are bringing our children home,” Yermak said in a statement. The return was coordinated with the help of Qatar, which has acted as a mediator in past prisoner and civilian exchanges. The children were transported from Russia to Ukraine through a neutral country.
Ukrainian authorities accuse Russia of forcibly deporting thousands of children since the invasion began. Russia claims it relocated children for their safety, but Ukraine calls it illegal abduction. International organizations, including the United Nations, have raised concerns about the forced transfers.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2023 over alleged war crimes involving child deportations. Russian officials have dismissed the charges, calling them politically motivated. The Kremlin has not commented on the latest returns.
The exact number of Ukrainian children taken to Russia remains unclear. Ukrainian officials estimate the figure could be as high as 20,000. Russia has provided limited information on the children’s whereabouts, making repatriation efforts difficult.
Parents of missing children have reported facing obstacles in locating and retrieving them. Some say Russian authorities changed their children’s names and citizenship status. Others claim their children were placed in Russian foster homes or adoption programs.
International pressure has led to the return of some children through diplomatic efforts. In 2023, Ukraine secured the release of dozens of children with assistance from third-party negotiators. Officials say each case requires careful coordination to ensure safe passage.
Ukraine has called on Western nations to increase sanctions and legal actions against individuals involved in child deportations. The European Union and the United States have already imposed sanctions on Russian officials linked to the transfers. Human rights groups continue to document cases of forced removals.
The war has displaced millions of Ukrainian families, leaving many children separated from relatives. Aid organizations say reunification efforts remain complex due to security risks and legal barriers. Many families are still searching for missing loved ones.
Ukrainian authorities say the latest recovery is a step toward justice. Officials promise to keep working on returning more children despite the ongoing conflict. The government urges international support in tracking and retrieving those still in Russia.
Russia’s policies on Ukrainian children have been widely criticized by Western governments. Moscow insists it has acted legally and refuses to cooperate with Ukrainian or international investigators. Tensions remain high as Ukraine continues its diplomatic push for repatriation.
For families of the returned children, relief comes with lingering trauma. Many children need psychological support after their experiences in Russian custody. Ukraine has set up rehabilitation programs to help them adjust and reconnect with their families.
