Guide: Responding to the abduction of Ukrainian children

This material is based on the webinar “The Long-Term Impact of Russia’s Abduction of Ukrainian Children”, organized by the Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) on Feb. 1 as part of the global campaign “Stand With Ukraine: Protect Future Generations,” marking the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

During the webinar, experts and representatives of Ukrainian communities discussed the scale and consequences of child deportations, as well as concrete strategies for international advocacy and support for affected families. Below are practical recommendations that communities and organizations can implement to protect Ukrainian children and help bring them home.

Understanding the problem

The abduction and deportation of Ukrainian children is a systematic state policy by Russia aimed at erasing their identity and undermining the Ukrainian nation.

• Over 700,000 Ukrainian children are currently on Russian territory.
• Around 20,000 children have been formally recorded as deported.
• Only 1,975 children have been returned to Ukraine so far.
• 1.6 million children live in temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine. Even if they were not physically removed, their rights and identities are systematically violated: they are forced to study from Russian textbooks, participate in militarized programs, receive Russian passports, and experience pressure to adopt a Russian worldview and cultural identity.
• Consequences: loss of identity, forced assimilation, militarization, and compulsory acquisition of Russian citizenship.

How to talk about the issue internationally

• Focus not only on emotions but also on Russia’s strategies and the long-term consequences.
• Share stories of Ukrainian children resisting assimilation to highlight their resilience.
• Avoid messages that leave your audience feeling helpless. Always pair information with specific actions they can take.

Steps for communities

1. Information and awareness

• Share verified facts about deportations and their effects on children.
• Use real-life cases and stories to show processes of assimilation and militarization.
• Maintain sustained media campaigns to keep global attention on the issue.

1. Advocacy and political engagement

• Urge your government to: 
  • Join the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children.
  • Recognize Russia’s actions as war crimes and genocide.
  • Support long-term programs aiding Ukraine.
• Support UWC and Ukrainian NGOs by signing petitions and contacting parliaments and governments.

1. Support local initiatives

• Organize local events and campaigns.
• Provide participants with an “action menu”: join awareness campaigns, write to lawmakers, participate in meetings with international institutions.
• Use local media and social networks to share children’s stories and the experiences of their families.

1. Practical support for families

• Assist evacuated and returned children and their families abroad with social, psychological, and educational adaptation.

Key principles to remember

• Community actions should be systematic and long-term.
• Solidarity becomes effective pressure only when paired with clear, concrete steps.
• Never accept Russia’s attempts to justify its actions under international law—constant reminders of accountability and legal responsibility are essential.

Actions communities and Ukrainians abroad can take

Experts emphasized turning solidarity into concrete measures to support the return of children and help affected families. Communities can consider the following:

• Check if your country is part of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children.
• Explore whether you can organize events in your country’s parliament or government institutions.
• Determine if you can involve Ukrainians who survived occupation in public or state events.
• Assess whether mass events with media coverage are possible.
• Invite politicians and officials to public events to hear children’s stories.
• Conduct awareness campaigns in schools and educational centers to share accurate information.
• Register your events on the global Stand With Ukraine map to increase visibility and support.

These steps allow communities to influence international decisions, document Russia’s crimes, and support affected children and families.

For more details on the webinar, visit the link.