Today, a special report titled "OVERPOLLINATED: Russia's Systematic Policy to Destroy Ukrainian Children's Identity" was presented to international partners, diplomats, media, and the public. The report, focusing on the strategic dimension of Russia's genocidal policy, details how Russian authorities forcibly remove Ukrainian children under the guise of "health improvement" and "treatment," subjecting them to militarization and re-education with the aim of erasing their Ukrainian identity.
This second special report since the full-scale Russian invasion highlights specific examples of this systematic policy, based on the experiences of children who survived deportation and forced displacement. Stories include that of 10-month-old Margarita Prokopenko, kidnapped from a children's home in Kherson and later "adopted" with her name changed.
Ukrainian representatives at the presentation called on international partners to intensify efforts within the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children. The Ukrainian Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets emphasized the importance of recognizing these actions as war crimes with genocidal characteristics and urged continuous pressure to ensure the safe return and reintegration of these children.
The international community is urged to take concrete actions to address these crimes and support efforts to protect Ukrainian children and preserve their identity.