Return of Ukrainian children forcibly transferred and deported by Russia, 8 May 2025

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.

Russia must report the identities and whereabouts of all deported Ukrainian children and ensure their well-being and safe and unconditional return. The Russian authorities must also allow international organisations, such as the International Committee of the Red Cross, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and UNICEF, access to all deported Ukrainian children, argue MEPs.

The EU must continue to support the Ukrainian authorities and international and non governmental organisations in their efforts to document the deported children. MEPs also call on the EU and the member states to join the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children. The international community must meanwhile hold Russia accountable by reinforcing coordination through the International Criminal Court, the International Court of Justice, and the Special tribunal for the crime of aggression against Ukraine. Any genuine peace deal must include the repatriation of these children and accountability for forcible transfers and deportations.

The resolution was adopted by 516 votes in favour, 3 votes against and 34 abstentions.