On February 18, 2022, Russia initiated the mass deportation of Ukrainian children. Six days before its full-scale invasion, the so-called "DPR" and "LPR" — fully controlled by Moscow — announced the forced relocation of women and children to Russian territory. This was a premeditated operation, marking the beginning of Russia’s systematic policy of deportation.
On February 16, 2022, the head of the occupation administration of Donetsk, Denis Pushilin, signed a decree ordering the "evacuation" of the population. Two days later, on February 18, he issued an order mandating the forced removal of children from orphanages, boarding schools, and other institutions under state care.
By February 19, the occupation authorities reported that more than 6,000 people had been deported, including 2,700 children.
Similar orders were issued in the so-called "LPR." Hundreds of Ukrainian children were forcibly removed from the temporarily occupied territories of Luhansk Oblast even before the full-scale invasion began.
Deported children were dispersed across Russia, often thousands of kilometers from their homes. Their documents were falsified, their names and citizenship altered, effectively erasing their Ukrainian identity. Many of them were placed in Russian foster families or adopted by Russian citizens.
"Russia is attempting to erase the Ukrainian identity of these children, making them part of its imperial machine. This is a war crime with specific perpetrators, and each of them will be held accountable," emphasized Daria Zarivna, Adviser to the Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine and Chief Operating Officer of Bring Kids Back UA.
Russia continues to justify its actions as "evacuations," but it is solely responsible for creating and perpetuating the dangers facing these children through its war and systematic violations of their rights.
Ukraine calls on the international community to maintain pressure on Russia and demand the unconditional return of all deported children.