At Least 24 Ukrainian Children from Luhansk Forcibly Placed into Russian Custody.

Illegal Adoption of Ukrainian Children

According to UATV: On June 2, 2023, Inna Shvenk, the so-called children's ombudsman of the self-proclaimed 'Luhansk People's Republic,' acknowledged that since the start of 2026, no fewer than 24 Ukrainian children from the temporarily occupied parts of the Luhansk region have been unlawfully placed under guardianship or adopted in Russia. This practice is being condemned as the deportation of Ukrainian minors and has sparked widespread outrage across Ukrainian society.

Assimilation Policy Targeting Ukrainian Children

According to the Center for Countering Disinformation, which operates under Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council, these actions are part of a broader Kremlin strategy aimed at assimilating Ukrainian children. The Center explicitly stated:

What is being presented as 'placement in families' is in reality a deliberate policy by the Kremlin to deport and assimilate Ukrainian children. — Center for Countering Disinformation

Such conduct violates international legal standards and the fundamental rights of children, who are entitled to protection. Ukrainian authorities, together with international organizations, are actively investigating these cases in order to take the necessary steps to safeguard the rights of children caught in this dire situation.

The illegal adoption of Ukrainian children represents a serious challenge for the global community, as it contravenes the core principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. The response from Ukraine and international bodies could prove crucial in preventing future occurrences and ensuring justice for children living under difficult conditions in occupied territories.