20,000 teddy bears displayed in Los Angeles to symbolize abducted Ukrainian children

• A large-scale installation of 20,000 teddy bears was displayed in Los Angeles on June 20.
• The exhibit symbolized Ukrainian children allegedly abducted by Russia.
• The display aimed to raise awareness and advocate for the children's return.
• The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Vladimir Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova in 2023 over alleged unlawful deportation of Ukrainian children.

An installation featuring 20,000 teddy bears was displayed in Los Angeles on June 20, symbolizing Ukrainian children allegedly abducted by Russia. The exhibit, which stretched 230 feet long and stood 8 feet tall, carried the message "Putin abducted 20,000 Ukrainian children. Bring Kids Back." The event at Gloria Molina Grand Park brought together activists, nonprofit organizations, faith leaders, and local officials to raise awareness and advocate for the children's return.

Kateryna Lisunova, media advisor at Razom for Ukraine, stated that the project was supported by Globe4Ukraine, Shield of Freedom, Razom for Ukraine, and the American Coalition for Ukraine. U.S. Representative Sydney Kamlager-Dove condemned Russia's actions as atrocities and called for the immediate return of the children. Peter Larr of Shield of Freedom suggested that U.S. sanctions and congressional action could aid in the children's return, emphasizing the influence of American citizens. Theo Menon of Razom for Ukraine described the installation as a "call to action."

Los Angeles is the second U.S. city to host this installation, following its debut in Washington, D.C., in April. According to Ukraine's national Children of War database, at least 20,000 Ukrainian children have been taken to Russia or Russian-controlled areas since the 2022 invasion, with Ukraine suggesting the actual number could be higher. In 2023, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russian Children's Rights Commissioner Maria Lvova-Belova for their alleged roles in the unlawful deportation of Ukrainian children.