Bipartisan U.S. Senate resolution demands Putin return estimated 700,000 kidnapped Ukrainian children before any peace deal is signed, exposing Russia’s calculated attempt to erase Ukraine’s future by stealing its children.
Key Takeaways
- U.S. Senators from both parties have united behind a resolution demanding Russia return all abducted Ukrainian children before any peace agreement is reached.
- International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Vladimir Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova for systematically kidnapping Ukrainian children.
- Of the estimated 700,000 Ukrainian children taken to Russia, fewer than 1,300 have been returned to their families.
- President Trump has indicated he will prioritize the return of kidnapped Ukrainian children in discussions with Russia.
- Russia’s campaign includes changing children’s identities, forced adoptions, and “re-education” in violation of international law and the Genocide Convention.
Senate Unites Against Russia’s Child Abductions
In a rare display of bipartisan cooperation, Republican and Democratic senators have introduced a resolution demanding Russia return an estimated 700,000 Ukrainian children before any peace agreement is finalized. The resolution, spearheaded by Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), has gained support from both sides of the aisle, including Senators Roger Wicker, Joni Ernst, Rick Scott, Dick Durbin, and John Fetterman. While non-binding, the resolution sends a powerful message that America stands united against one of the most heinous aspects of Putin’s war against Ukraine.
“Putin’s inhumane and unprovoked attack on Ukraine started the largest war in Europe since World War II. He has kidnapped thousands of children to brainwash and Russify them in an attempt to destroy their cultural identity and heritage. The United States ought to demand these children are returned before inking a deal to end the war in Ukraine,” said Chuck Grassley, U.S. Senator.
While Ukrainian officials have only been able to identify approximately 20,000 specific children in Russian custody, the total number of abducted children is believed to be around 700,000. The systematic nature of these abductions reveals a deliberate strategy to eradicate Ukrainian national identity by targeting its most vulnerable citizens. As of April 2025, only 1,274 children have been successfully returned to their families, highlighting the enormous scale of this ongoing humanitarian crisis.
A very important step from the US Senate. We need to return each and every 🇺🇦 child, abducted and deported by Russia, back home. Children are non-negotiable #StopRussia #StandWithUkraine https://t.co/XjKXqkROA9
— Mariana Betsa (@Mariana_Betsa) May 21, 2025
International Recognition of War Crimes
The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russian Commissioner for Children’s Rights Maria Lvova-Belova, charging them with war crimes related to the unlawful deportation of Ukrainian children. This represents the first time the ICC has issued warrants against leaders of a permanent member of the UN Security Council. The Senate resolution explicitly cites Russia’s violations of international humanitarian law and the Genocide Convention, reinforcing the severity of these crimes.
“Abducting children is not merely a war crime. It is an attempt to erase our identity and destroy the future of our nation. We will not allow this. Bringing back every child is our shared responsibility. And it is a condition for ending the war,” said Andriy Yermak, Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine.
The Yale Humanitarian Research Lab has documented a coordinated Russian campaign to abduct and re-educate Ukrainian children. In 2022, Putin signed a decree facilitating the adoption of Ukrainian children by Russian families, effectively legalizing the theft of these children. Many have had their Ukrainian identities erased, been given Russian names, and are being indoctrinated into Russian culture and military service in what amounts to cultural genocide.
Trump Administration’s Stance
President Trump has indicated his commitment to addressing this humanitarian crisis. In March, he promised to ensure the return of abducted Ukrainian children to their families. The resolution aligns with this commitment and provides additional leverage in negotiations with Russia. Religious leaders have also weighed in, with 40 faith leaders, many from the Evangelical community, urging the President to prioritize the return of these children in any peace discussions with Russia.
“This is an important step in President Donald Trump’s March 19 promise to ensure Ukrainian children abducted by Russia are returned to their families. By kidnapping over 19,546 children from Ukraine, Russia is simultaneously erasing these children’s identities as Ukrainians while holding them hostage. The United States must say clearly that children are not bargaining chips and must be returned immediately,” said Razom for Ukraine, a nonprofit organization.
The State Department’s Conflict Observatory has reported at least 35,000 children affected by forced transfers to Russia or Russian-occupied territories. The U.S. has already imposed sanctions on individuals and entities involved in these abductions, demonstrating America’s commitment to holding Russia accountable. This resolution further emphasizes that the return of these children must be a non-negotiable condition of any peace agreement, reflecting America’s dedication to protecting the most vulnerable victims of Putin’s aggression.
“Ukraine’s kidnapped kids are counting on Congress and President Trump to insist that Moscow free them. Full stop,” said Ambassador John Herbst, former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine.
