UN General Assembly Demands Immediate Return of Ukrainian Children from Russia

UN General Assembly Calls for Immediate Repatriation

The United Nations General Assembly on December 3, 2025, adopted a resolution demanding the immediate and unconditional return of all Ukrainian children who have been forcibly transferred or deported to the Russian Federation. The resolution, passed during an emergency special session, received 91 votes in favor, with 12 against and 57 abstentions, surpassing the required two-thirds majority of members present and voting.

This significant vote underscores the international community's deep concern over the ongoing situation, which Ukraine has described as the 'largest state abduction operation in history'.

Background of Alleged Forced Transfers and War Crimes

The issue of Ukrainian children being forcibly transferred to Russia has been a critical humanitarian and legal concern since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022, with some concerns dating back to 2014 following the annexation of Crimea. Ukrainian officials estimate that at least 20,000 Ukrainian children have been abducted, though other figures suggest the number could be significantly higher, with some reports indicating up to 700,000 children have been taken to Russia or Russian-controlled territories. Only approximately 1,850 children have reportedly been returned to Ukraine.

These actions are widely considered violations of the Geneva Conventions, which explicitly prohibit the forcible transfer or deportation of protected persons from occupied territory. In March 2023, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova, Russia's Commissioner for Children's Rights, on charges of war crimes related to the unlawful deportation and transfer of Ukrainian children.

Reports indicate that transferred children have been subjected to:

• Changes of citizenship
• Placement in Russian foster families or for adoption
• Indoctrination and re-education programs
• Separation from their families and cultural identity

Resolution's Demands and International Support

The resolution specifically 'demands that the Russian Federation ensure the immediate, safe and unconditional return of all Ukrainian children who have been forcibly transferred or deported'. It further urges Moscow to 'cease, without delay, any further practice of forcible transfer, deportation, separation from families and legal guardians, change of personal status, including through citizenship, adoption or placement in foster families, and indoctrination of Ukrainian children'.

The text also calls upon the UN Secretary-General to intensify efforts, including through his Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict, to coordinate UN action and engage with Russia on tracking and ensuring access for international monitoring and humanitarian organizations. Countries such as the United States, Canada, and members of the European Union were among those supporting the resolution.

Reactions from Kyiv and Moscow

Ukraine's Deputy Foreign Minister Mariana Betsa emphasized the humanitarian nature of the resolution, stating it was 'not about politics…it is about humanity'. She highlighted the devastating impact on children, who have been killed, injured, raped, separated from their families, and deported. Conversely, Russia's Deputy UN Envoy Maria Zabolotskaya dismissed the resolution as 'full of mendacious accusations', asserting that Russia moved children for their own protection from combat zones. She stated, 'Each vote for the resolution is a support for lies, war, and confrontation. Every voice against is a vote for peace.'

While General Assembly resolutions are non-binding, they carry significant political and moral weight as a reflection of global opinion on critical international issues.