U.S. Representatives Michael McCaul and Gregory W. Meeks have introduced a bipartisan resolution condemning Russia’s actions involving Ukrainian children. The resolution calls for the return of these children before any peace agreement is finalized.
McCaul stated, “Since the beginning of Putin’s war of aggression, Russia has abducted at least 19,500 Ukrainian children from their homeland — with some estimates putting the true number as high as 200,000.” He emphasized the importance of moral leadership from the United States in demanding the return of these children to Ukraine.
Meeks described Russian President Vladimir Putin as a “war criminal,” accusing him of overseeing the illegal deportation of tens of thousands of Ukrainian children. He asserted that these acts are not isolated but are a direct result of what he termed Putin’s “war of choice.”
The resolution was also introduced in the Senate by Senators Chuck Grassley and Amy Klobuchar.
According to Ukrainian authorities, there have been at least 19,546 confirmed reports regarding unlawful deportations and forced transfers of Ukrainian children to Russia or areas under Russian control. These actions reportedly aim to erase their Ukrainian identity. As per data available until April 16, only 1,274 abducted children have been returned.
The U.S. State Department’s 2024 Trafficking in Persons Report highlights Russia’s involvement in recruiting child soldiers and its status as a major hub for human trafficking globally.
