Thousands of Ukrainian children were forcibly deported—separated from their parents, their homeland, and their identity. Only a fraction have been able to return.
According to Ukrainian authorities, a total of approximately 19.500 cases of forcibly deported or abducted Ukrainian children have been documented – however, by the end of 2025, only about 2.000 of them had been successfully repatriated. These alarming figures underscore the urgent need for further measures to reunite these children with their families and provide them with protection and appropriate care.
The total number since 2014 is difficult to quantify: Russian representatives speak of hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian children (some accompanied by their parents) who have entered Russia since the outbreak of the conflict in 2014. However, such a high number could not be independently verified. Ukrainian authorities have documented around 19.500 cases for the period since February 2022, and experts assume that the actual number is far higher.
In Russia, Belarus, and the occupied territories, deported children are subjected to arbitrary restrictions and re-education attempts. Reports indicate they are often forbidden from speaking Ukrainian, indoctrinated with Russian ideology (for example, through singing the Russian national anthem, altered history lessons, and participation in paramilitary youth organizations), and subjected to harsh discipline and punishment. Some children have even been granted Russian citizenship and put up for adoption into Russian families, an attempt to systematically erase their Ukrainian identity.
The abduction of children is considered serious war crimeRussia has therefore already been condemned and charged under international law – in March 2023, the International Criminal Court issued a warrant. Arrest warrants against Vladimir Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova because of the illegal deportation of Ukrainian children. Furthermore, many observers view this systematic practice as genocidal policyThe forced removal and "Russification" of Ukrainian children is a direct attack on the existence of the Ukrainian nation and thus, according to some experts, fulfills the criteria for a state of emergency. the act of genocide.
The journey of families to pick up their children with the support of Save Ukraine is long and dangerous. But any mother whose child has been kidnapped by the Russian armed forces is willing to risk her life to find her child/children.
The repatriation process is expensive, around EUR 2.500 per child, and includes the cost of the long and risky journey, hotel and subsistence costs, and administration costs. kleine herzen has pledged to support Save Ukraine in its mission.
So far we have been able to finance the repatriation of 60 children.
All donations will be transferred in full to Save Ukraine.
The low number of successfully repatriated Ukrainian children has several complex and serious reasons:
Russian blockade and lack of cooperation:
Russian authorities refuse to officially return Ukrainian children and deliberately delay their repatriation. This deliberate lack of cooperation is considered the main reason for the extremely low number of returned children.
Russification and adoption in Russia:
Many abducted children were placed with Russian families, granted Russian citizenship, and put up for adoption. This deliberate integration of the children in Russia makes their return significantly more difficult or virtually impossible.
Lack of international enforcement options:
There is no binding procedure under international law for the forced return of abducted children. While UN resolutions and arrest warrants from the International Criminal Court establish Russia's responsibility, they cannot be practically enforced without Russian cooperation.
Lack of information and access:
Without Russian cooperation, reliable data on the whereabouts of many children is lacking, and humanitarian access to the occupied territories is virtually nonexistent. Tracking down and clearly identifying children is therefore extremely difficult.
Security risks and war conditions:
The ongoing fighting and the lack of safe corridors significantly complicate the evacuation. Rescue operations can often only take place at great risk and with considerable logistical effort.
Limited support and mediation capacities:
Currently, repatriations are carried out almost exclusively in small groups through costly individual operations (e.g., NGO missions) or diplomatic mediation. Often, only very few children can be brought back per round of negotiations, which slows down overall progress.
Source: ohchr.org
Russia's aggression has resulted in human rights violations for countless Ukrainian children. Hundreds of children have been killed or injured and millions have been denied the opportunity to enjoy their basic rights, including health care and education.
The war has also resulted in the internal and external displacement of millions of people, putting many children at increased risk of being separated from their parents or carers. Thousands of Ukrainian children, including entire orphanages and foster homes, have been evacuated to other locations in Ukraine, as well as to other Council of Europe member states and beyond.
All donations will be transferred in full to Save Ukraine.
