Resolution on the return of Ukrainian children forcibly transferred and deported by Russia

The European Parliament adopted by 516 votes to 3, with 34 abstentions, a resolution on the return of Ukrainian children forcibly transferred and deported by Russia.

The text adopted in plenary was tabled by the EPP, S&D, ECR, Renew, Greens/EFA groups and Members.

Since February 2022 around 20 000 Ukrainian children have been forcibly deported to Russian and Belarus or detained in temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories, with only 1 293 returned and 624 confirmed dead, according to President Zelenskyy’s ‘Bring Kids Back UA’ initiative. These figures are probably much higher as these transfers and deportations continue.

Parliament strongly condemns the violent actions of the Russian Federation and the complicity of Belarus in the mistreatment of Ukrainian children, including murder, forced transfer and deportation, illegal adoption, sexual abuse and exploitation, forced Russification and militarisation. It stressed that these acts form part of a genocidal strategy to erase Ukrainian identity.

Members urged the EU to hold those responsible to account and to sanction individuals and entities implicated in these crimes. These crimes should cease immediately and Russia should report the identities and whereabouts of all deported Ukrainian children and ensure their well-being and safe and unconditional return.

Parliament regrets that the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is failing to fulfil its mission to protect Ukrainian children deported to Russia and Belarus or located in temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories.

The EU is called on to closely cooperate with and support Ukrainian authorities, international and non-governmental organisations in their efforts to document all missing and deported Ukrainian children. Members stressed that any genuine peace deal must include the repatriation of these children and accountability for forcible transfers and deportations.