European Parliament approves resolution on return of Ukrainian children deported to Russia

The European Parliament adopted a resolution on the return of Ukrainian children forcibly removed and deported by Russia.

The resolution was adopted with 516 votes in favor and 3 votes against. Another 34 MEPs abstained. The decision was reported by the press service of the parliament.

In the resolution, MEPs vehemently denounce the “genocidal strategy” Russia, in collaboration with Belarus, is employing to obliterate Ukrainian identity.

“MEPs strongly condemn the “genocidal strategy” carried out by Russia, with the support of Belarus, designed to erase Ukrainian identity. The forced transfer and deportation of Ukrainian children, their illegal adoption, their assassination, and the forced Russification and militarisation must stop.”

They state that the forced removal and deportation of Ukrainian children, their illegal adoption, murder, forced Russification, and militarization must stop.

Russia, MEPs say, must provide information on the identity and whereabouts of all deported Ukrainian children and ensure their well-being and safe and unconditional return.

The Russian authorities should also grant international organizations such as the International Committee of the Red Cross, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, and UNICEF access to all deported Ukrainian children, MEPs say.

They emphasize that the EU should continue to support the Ukrainian authorities and international and non-governmental organizations in their efforts to document deported children.

MEPs also call on the EU and its member states to join the international coalition for the return of Ukrainian children.

They emphasize that the international community must hold Russia accountable by strengthening coordination through the International Criminal Court, the International Court of Justice, and the Special Tribunal for the Crimes of Aggression against Ukraine.

In April 2025, the Austrian Parliament adopted a resolution calling for the return of Ukrainian children abducted by the Russian Federation.

In September 2023, the European Parliament called on the International Criminal Court (ICC) to issue an arrest warrant for self-proclaimed president of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko for deporting Ukrainian children.