The UN General Assembly took a decisive step on Wednesday by passing a resolution demanding that Russia return all Ukrainian children who have been deported or forcibly transferred since the onset of the war. The resolution garnered support from 91 member states, with 12 votes against and 57 abstentions, successfully achieving the two-thirds majority required under Article 18 of the UN Charter.
During the emergency special session, the resolution called for Russia to “ensure the immediate, safe and unconditional return of all Ukrainian children who have been forcibly transferred or deported.” In her remarks, General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock emphasized that this situation is not just a tragedy for individual children but represents a significant violation of international law.
Russia opposed the resolution vehemently. Ambassador Maria Zabolotskaya stated that every vote in favor of the resolution supports “lies, war, and confrontation,” arguing that it contradicts ongoing peace efforts.
Documented Evidence of War Crimes
In 2023, an investigation conducted by the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine revealed that 31 children were transferred from Ukraine to Russian territory in May 2022, concluding that such actions constitute war crimes. The Commission noted that assessing the full scope of child transfers has been complicated by conflicting data from both the Russian Federation and Ukraine.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for President Vladimir Putin in March 2023, citing reasonable grounds to believe he was responsible for the unlawful deportation and transfer of children. Additionally, in May 2025, the European Parliament passed a resolution calling for the return of Ukrainian children forcibly transferred by Russia, describing these actions as part of a “genocidal strategy to erase Ukrainian identity.”
The forcible transfer and deportation of children are explicitly prohibited under the Fourth Geneva Convention, which safeguards civilian persons in times of war. Such acts may also qualify as war crimes under international law.
Ongoing Conflict and International Response
The Russian aggression against Ukraine continues, with ongoing military operations reported. In September 2025, the UN condemned a large-scale missile strike by Russia against Ukraine, marking a significant escalation since the invasion began in 2022. The UN also criticized the use of drones in October, particularly in relation to a strike on a humanitarian convoy delivering aid to Southern Ukraine.
As the international community grapples with the ramifications of these actions, the call for the return of Ukrainian children remains a critical issue, highlighting the need for accountability and adherence to humanitarian law amidst the ongoing conflict.
