Ukraine confirms 20,000+ instances of illegal deportation and forced transfer of Ukrainian children by Russia
Ukraine has confirmed more than 20,000 cases of the illegal deportation and forced transfer of Ukrainian children by Russia. A total of 2,644 children have been returned.
Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported this following the 2nd International “Pathways to Peace” Conference in Toronto, according to Ukrinform.
At the conference, organized jointly by Ukraine, Canada and Norway, Ottawa identified three priority areas of work: the return of Ukrainian children, civilians and prisoners of war, including through search and coordination efforts; strengthening the protection of people under Russian control through humanitarian access and information sharing; and supporting Ukrainian rehabilitation and reintegration programs, as well as ensuring accountability for crimes committed.
In his address, Ukraine’s Minister of Social Policy, Family and Unity Denys Uliutin informed partners that Ukraine had confirmed more than 20,000 cases of the illegal deportation and forced transfer of Ukrainian children. A total of 2,644 children have been returned.
Regarding Ukrainian prisoners of war, Ukraine is aware of more than 300 places where they are being held and to which the International Committee of the Red Cross has no access. According to the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, more than 95% of Ukrainian prisoners of war interviewed after their release reported torture or ill-treatment in Russian captivity. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha also emphasized the systematic torture and ill-treatment of Ukrainians in Russian captivity.
“77 kilograms. That is how much one Ukrainian prisoner of war lost in just five months of Russian captivity. Eleven torture chambers. That is how many Russia managed to establish in and around Kherson in less than nine months of occupation,” the minister said, emphasizing the brutal and systematic nature of Russia’s crimes against Ukrainians.
On September 29, the conference will continue with three thematic sessions on deported Ukrainian children, civilians illegally detained by Russia, and prisoners of war. Ukraine will chair the session on prisoners of war.
As previously reported by Ukrinform, on September 12, First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska and Diana Fox Carney, wife of the Prime Minister of Canada, discussed the return of Ukrainian children illegally deported by Russia.
Photo: Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs