A report from Yale University’s Humanitarian Research Lab alleges that hundreds of Ukrainian children have been relocated to Russia, with some placed in re-education centers and others adopted by Russian families. The study details how Kremlin-linked officials and military aircraft were used to facilitate the transfers, raising questions about international law and human rights.
The report identified 314 Ukrainian children, many from the occupied territories of Donetsk and Luhansk, who were taken to Russia. At least 166 children were placed directly with Russian families, and 148 were listed in Russian adoption databases. Yale researchers noted that some children were subjected to pro-Russian narratives and military education in temporary facilities before placement.
The relocation efforts were reportedly coordinated by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova, Russia’s commissioner for children’s rights. Both face arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court for alleged war crimes related to the forced transfer of children. The report also found evidence that Russian military aircraft were used to transport the children between May and October 2022.
The study highlights changes in Russian laws that streamlined the process of granting citizenship to Ukrainian children and allowed Russian guardians to renounce their Ukrainian citizenship. At least 67 children have been formally naturalized as Russian citizens, although the actual number is believed to be higher.
Researchers documented instances of sibling separation, where some children were adopted by Russian families while others remained in institutions. Approximately 80% of the children identified came from Donetsk Oblast, and nearly half had siblings listed in adoption databases.
The relocation program coincided with Russia’s annexation of Ukrainian territories in September 2022. International legal experts say the program could be investigated as a crime against humanity or potentially genocide under the Rome Statute.
The Kremlin framed the program as a humanitarian effort to protect children from conflict zones. Ukrainian officials estimate that around 19,500 children have been taken to Russia or Russian-occupied Crimea since the invasion began, although Russian officials dispute these numbers.
Forcible transfer of populations, including children, is prohibited under international law. Investigations into the program continue.