Explainers
Why do Russians steal Ukrainian children?
Because it is part of a deliberate, state-run policy to erase Ukrainian identity and raise a generation loyal to Russia.
Since 2014, and especially after the full-scale invasion in 2022, Russia has systematically deported Ukrainian children — often under the false pretext of evacuation or protection. Once taken, many children are adopted by Russian families, granted Russian citizenship, and subjected to re-education and military-patriotic programs.
This isn’t incidental. It is designed to break children’s ties to Ukraine and assimilate them into Russian society — turning victims into future tools of aggression.
What does it mean when we say “deportation” or “forcible transfer” of children?
What happens after a child is deported?
What happens after a child returns to Ukraine?
What is the “Istanbul list” of abducted children shared with Russia, and why is there only 339 names in it?
What’s the difference between evacuation and illegal deportation?
Why can’t we just bring all the children back at once?
Why is forced adoption a violation of international law?
Why are some families afraid to speak out when their child is abducted?
Why is identifying the exact number of abducted children so difficult?
What is the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children, and what does it do to help bring kids back?
How do rescue missions work, and why are they so complicated?
What is Russian “military-patriotic education” and how does it violate international law?