Russia Rejects Claims of ‘Abducting’ Ukrainian Children, Presents Its Figures

Dragon Media News Desk

Russia has rejected allegations by Ukraine and Western countries that it abducted thousands of Ukrainian children, claiming that the figures have been politically inflated. According to the Russian side, claims that around 20,000 children had been abducted began circulating in April 2023, but no corresponding list containing names and individual records was provided to substantiate the figure.

Russia says it received its first actual list during the resumed direct Russia–Ukraine talks in Istanbul in 2025. The list contained 339 names. According to the Russian side, a case-by-case review found that many of those listed had already turned 18 when military operations began, some were legally residing in Russia with one of their parents, and more than 100 were found in Germany.

According to the Office of the Russian Presidential Commissioner for Children’s Rights, 145 children from 118 families have been reunited with parents or close relatives in Ukraine or third countries since 2022. Another 32 children from 24 families have returned to Russia from Ukraine.

Moscow says the family-reunification process is being conducted with the involvement of the International Committee of the Red Cross. It has also praised mediation by the Vatican and Qatar, including logistical assistance provided by Qatar. According to the Russian side, US First Lady Melania Trump has also been involved in family-reunification efforts since the autumn of 2025.

Russia says each case involving children should be resolved on the basis of individual records and evidence, adding that it remains open to constructive dialogue. Ukraine and Western countries, however, continue to allege that large numbers of Ukrainian children have been transferred to Russia or Russian-controlled territories, allegations Moscow rejects.