At least 20,651 cases of deported Ukrainian children have been formally verified, while an estimated 1.6 million children remain under Russian occupation. In a resolution adopted on Thursday, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) asserted that those responsible for the deportation or forced transfer of Ukrainian children during the ongoing conflict must be held accountable.
The resolution strongly condemns Russia’s systematic practices, including the deportation, forced transfer, illegal adoption, forced Russification, indoctrination, and militarisation of Ukrainian children. The resolution passed with significant support, with 536 votes in favour, 8 opposed, and 37 abstentions. It demands an immediate cessation of these actions and reiterates Russia’s responsibility to uphold the rights of children under its control.
MEPs called upon Russia to immediately, safely, and unconditionally return all deported and forcibly transferred Ukrainian children from Russian-controlled territory to Ukraine. They underscored that returning these children is an obligation under international law and should not be used as a negotiating instrument or conditioned on territorial concessions, prisoner exchanges, or any other political agreements.
The resolution highlights that, as of September 2026, there have been 20,651 verified cases of deported and forcibly transferred Ukrainian children by Russia, with approximately 1.6 million estimated to remain under its control. Furthermore, as of 28 October 2026, 2,752 Ukrainian children who had been deported, forcibly transported, or rescued from Russian-occupied territories have been successfully returned.
MEPs emphasised the importance of the safe and unconditional return of all unlawfully deported and forcibly transferred Ukrainian children as both an essential humanitarian necessity and a critical aspect of international efforts to establish accountability for the crimes committed by Russia during the war. They argue that this matter should remain a central focus in all diplomatic endeavours and negotiations aimed at achieving a legitimate peace agreement to terminate Russia’s aggression. The resolution asserts that no lasting peace can be accomplished without addressing the rights of these children and ensuring accountability for those who have violated their rights.
Additionally, Parliament called for EU member states to enhance their cooperation with Ukraine, international partners, and organisations to facilitate the identification, documentation, tracing, and return of all missing and deported Ukrainian children. They also urged an expansion of existing EU sanctions against officials and entities implicated in these child deportations.
Moreover, Parliament reiterated its unwavering support for the International Criminal Court (ICC) and its essential activities. It expressed support for the arrest warrants issued against Russian President Vladimir Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova, the Children’s Rights Commissioner for the President of Russia, for the war crime of unlawful deportation and transfer of Ukrainian children. MEPs emphasised that accountability should not only encompass Russia’s senior leadership but also extend to all individuals involved in carrying out these crimes. The resolution advocates for ongoing collaboration among various stakeholders, including Europol, Eurojust, and the Ukrainian Ombudsman, to gather information and locate the illegally transferred children.
