Kallas: Evidence of Russia's targeted deportation of Ukrainian children points to crime against humanity

European Union High Representative Kaja Kallas declares that proof of Russia's targeted removal of Ukrainian children strongly suggests a crime against humanity. Addressing the European Parliament in Brussels, Kallas stated that President Putin personally sanctioned Russia's deportation of Ukrainian children from occupied territories.

She estimated over 20,500 children had been removed unlawfully. Kallas pointed out an OSCE report highlighting a state-driven campaign to strip Ukrainian identity from children, emphasizing all evidence pointed to a crime against humanity. She warned that Russia may be sending these abducted children back to fight against Ukraine.

Kallas announced the EU had sanctioned those responsible and expanded the list to include children's camps, such as the Sondo-1 camp in North Korea, where Ukrainian children were found. She described Russia's actions as dividing dictatorship responsibilities. Kallas noted diplomatic efforts to prevent the world from forgetting the children, recalling the EU's co-sponsorship of a UN resolution in December 2025 urging the UN Secretary-General to directly engage Russia on the children's situation.

The EU now awaits concrete steps. As of this month, 2,719 Ukrainian children have been returned, including 13 last week. Kallas stressed that ending Russia's aggressive war through negotiations must also ensure the return of every Ukrainian child to their families, warning that failing to do so would be a lasting stain on humanity's conscience.