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Last winter, a mother in Ukraine received a call she had been waiting for: a few months ago, her daughter crossed the border to Russia and finally returned home. The girl hugged tightly as they hugged, fearing that she might be pulled away again. She hardly spoke, and dared not speak the Ukrainian language after being forced to speak Russian.
This party is a miracle for this mother, but thousands of parents are still waiting. Only 1,600 Kidnapping of children Back home.
Three and a half years since Russian President Vladimir Putin’s unreasonable Invasion of UkraineRussia has kidnapped about 20,000 Ukrainian children. The actual number may be much higher, as Russia is already targeting orphanages and vulnerable children. Tracking everyone in war and profession is also difficult. Russia itself claims more than 700,000 children were entitled to be “evacuated.”
As NATO meets in Russia’s war, Ukraine’s stolen child crisis is vaguely visible
With more and more time, it is more difficult to find these children. Their names and origins are obscured. Their faces and voices change when they grow up, making it harder for them to recognize. Some are still young and they may completely forget where they come from.
A new report from the Yale University Humanitarian Research Laboratory clearly demonstrates the systemic nature of the program. Researchers have identified at least 210 facilities, with Ukrainian children occupying and occupying Ukraine in Russia – from summer camps and nursing homes to cadet schools, ancient monasteries and even military bases. Exceed 130 of themthe children received a forced “re-education” program designed to eliminate their Ukrainian identity and instill loyalty to Russia. At nearly 40 locations, children received military training, including throwing grenades, weapon components and drone operations.
Disturbingly, the Yale University report confirmed that Putin’s administration directly managed more than half of the facilities. Russia’s action is in the KGB script, when the Soviet Union deported tens of thousands of women and children from occupied Baltic countries in the 1940s, and all the indigenous Crimean Tatars from the Crimean Peninsula.
Today, these kidnapped children are given new names, forced into Russian citizenship, and adopted by Russian families without consent. They are told to forget their language, their culture, and their parents. Those who classify it as home bring invisible scars: education, broken trust and trauma that may last a lifetime.
We cannot accept a world that was kidnapped during wars, and we cannot allow children to be used as a form of hostage in negotiations. Protecting children in conflict is not optional. This is our humanitarian obligation, and it is a legal requirement of international law.
Allowing these kidnappers to stand up, incite future aggressors, undermine international norms, and betray the most basic American values.
That’s why we worked hard on the aisle to convene a bipartisan coalition of senators to condemn Russia’s actions. Our measures also require unconditional return of children from Ukraine before any peace agreement is signed.
The resolution has been recognized by faith-based, child protection and human rights organizations, showing that Americans of all backgrounds understand the fundamental rights of these children.
Our support for these children’s work shows how both parties speak in a clear voice. We believe this unity tells Ukraine and global parents that the United States is by their side Children are in danger. After discussing this issue with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen Donald Trump To correctly say “this is the topic on all lists”, we have to work on it.
In addition to the resolution, we have introduced the bipartisan kidnapped Ukrainian child rehabilitation and accountability law. The bill does three key points.
First, it strengthens support for Ukrainian efforts to investigate and track kidnapped children.
Second, it can help children who need psychological, social and educational support during difficult transitions.
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Third, it strengthens efforts to bring those responsible for these crimes, including through sanctions that align with our allies. Prosecutors in Ukraine have opened up thousands of war crimes and they need the ongoing support of us and our allies.
There is no peace that can be just and not be credible until every child can return safely. As First Lady Melania Trump In a letter to Putin before the Alaska summit, it was written: “It’s time to end the pain of these children.
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These children are considered prisoners of war – it is unacceptable to use in Putin’s propaganda and forced to conduct military training and join the Russian army. They must not be pawns used in any negotiation.
The mother who reunited with her daughter is one of the lucky few. Thousands of other parents are still waiting for the same call as they can wrap their arms around their kids again that day. Until then, the world must not look away.
Republican Chuck Grassley represents Iowa in the U.S. Senate.
