Russia Holding and Training Deported Ukrainian Children

Scale of Deportations and Training
Data collected shows that 150 new sites have been surfaced since last year, for a figure that is, in fact, the highest yet released. Reportedly, half are run by the Russian government. The Ukrainian children's commissioner stated that over 19,500 children have been illegally deported or forcibly displaced to Russia and Belarus, while some estimates say that the number could be as high as 35,000. Sources describe a system involving potentially tens of thousands of minors in programs that include mock combat drills and ceremonial parades, and they are involved in programs on a presumed basis to assemble drones and plan or execute tactical medicine.

Historical Context and Legal Action
Preliminary investigative reports show the size of these ventures has grown since investigations at the beginning of 2023, which found 6,000 children taken to 43 camps. Later, international arrest warrants were issued for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Children's Rights Commissioner Maria Lvova-Belova on suspicion of unlawful deportations. Since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, it is said that children aged eight through 18 have been taken to sites within 3,500 miles of the country, through cadet schools, orphanages, medical facilities, religious sites, and camps.

Although over 1,600 children have been returned, officials continue to advocate for the release of others. As has been stated, "some children have waited years of pressure, fear, and humiliation" before returning to family and incarceration.