Key facts
- Ukraine repatriated 47 children and teenagers from Russian-occupied territories in July.
- Save Ukraine stated that thousands of children remain under occupation and face forced passportization.
- Two children's cases highlighted denial of medical treatment without Russian documents and threats of forced conscription.
- The repatriations were part of Ukraine's Bring Kids Back UA initiative.
- Ukraine's 'Children of War' database estimates at least 20,000 children have been abducted since February 2022.
- The ICC has issued arrest warrants for Vladimir Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova related to child abductions.
Ukraine has successfully repatriated 47 children and teenagers from Russian-occupied territories in July, according to statements from the Ukrainian humanitarian NGO Save Ukraine on July 15 and 22. The organization highlighted that thousands of children remain under occupation, where they face forced passportization and are being prepared for war.
Among the rescued children were a 13-year-old girl who was denied medical treatment and threatened with separation from her mother due to a lack of Russian documents, and an 18-year-old boy who survived an armed attack and faced threats of forced conscription. These incidents underscore the difficulties in obtaining medical care and the risks of forced mobilization under Russian occupation.
The repatriations were conducted with the assistance of partners as part of Ukraine's President's initiative, Bring Kids Back UA. According to Ukraine's national 'Children of War' database, at least 20,000 Ukrainian children have been abducted from occupied territories to Russia or Russian-controlled areas since February 2022. Estimates suggest that approximately 1.6 million children remain under Russian occupation, with Ukrainian officials suggesting the actual number of abducted children could be significantly higher, ranging from 150,000 to 300,000.
In 2023, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russia's Commissioner for Children's Rights Maria Lvova-Belova for their alleged roles in state-sanctioned child abductions.