Ukraine at OSCE: Russia abducts 19,546 Ukrainian children, 17,000 more considered missing

As reported by a Ukrinform correspondent, this statement was made by Yurii Vitrenko, Ukraine's Permanent Representative to International Organizations in Vienna, during a regular meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council, in response to a report by ODIHR Director Maria Telalian.

"The illegal deportation and forced Russification of Ukrainian children is the foundation of the Kremlin's genocidal policy against the Ukrainian people. These outrageous actions are part of a deliberate campaign against a national group and a violation of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. Ukraine will never agree to any compromises on this issue," Vitrenko stressed.

He pointed out that 19,546 Ukrainian children had been illegally "placed" across Russian territory. 17,000 more children are considered missing due to Russian aggression. At least 380 Ukrainian children have been handed over to so-called "temporary guardianship" (illegally adopted) in Russia. So far, only 1,227 children have been successfully returned to Ukraine, while Russia continues to obstruct this process in every possible way.

"Ukraine will continue to demand from the international community full information from Russia on the whereabouts of the deported children, access to their locations, and support in their return and reintegration. We consider this a matter of critical importance for future generations. Ukraine expects greater involvement from the OSCE in facilitating the return of all deported Ukrainian children, illegally detained civilians and medical workers, protecting the rights of prisoners of war, and freeing political prisoners from Crimea, as well as other issues where human life and dignity are at stake," Vitrenko emphasized.

In his speech, Vitrenko also highlighted the systematic torture and other forms of inhumane treatment experienced by Ukrainian civilians and prisoners of war in Russian captivity.

"The critical issue remains Russia's isolation of Ukrainian civilians and soldiers, as well as denial of access to them for representatives of the UN and the International Committee of the Red Cross," he noted.

According to official information from Ukraine’s juvenile prosecutors, more than 2,390 children have been affected by Russia’s full-scale aggression. As of the morning of March 12, 2025, 601 Ukrainian children have been killed, and over 1,788 have sustained injuries of varying severity.